INUVIK - Residents were given a unique view into the new school plans last week with a presentation that offered a 3-D virtual tour of the building.

A public information session was held at the Samuel Hearne school foyer last week to update the community on the project.

Architect Simon Taylor was in town to present the most recent design of the new school building. During the meeting, members of the community raised questions about the structure as well as voiced a few cultural concerns. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Various project planners were on hand to answer questions from the crowd.

Architect Simon Taylor explained what changes were made since the last meeting in July 2007.

"Due to cost issues, we've renovated the design of the building without changing the size," said Taylor.

"We have made a slightly different design than what was shown before."

The presenters used a computer-generated three-dimensional model of the school to better explain the layout and design of the interior.

While guiding the audience through the elementary school halls, Taylor said the design should allow for the best flow of student traffic.

"We want to achieve an orderly flow of students," he said.

Four areas of the school were toured in the program, showcasing the vision of the architects.

The library, gymnasium, high school wing and elementary wing were shown.

Taylor explained in detail the workings of the kindergarten wing.

"There is a separate playground for the younger students," he said.

"We have also included separate washrooms for the kindergarten class."

After giving a briefing of the whole building, Taylor opened up the floor to questions.

Duane Smith asked about the apparent lack of classroom space for high school language programs.

"I see that the elementary wing has three classrooms for languages," said Smith.

"What about the senior high class?"

Taylor said the high school wing had a multi-purpose room that would be used for the cultural programs.

"We're also sharing space with a junior high homeroom, which will also be used for language class," said Taylor.

Val Robertson asked about space for decorating the walls of the school.

"I see a lot of glass in the building design," she said.

"It seems to leave very little display area for the students."

Taylor said the reason for the glass in the school is to let more light into the middle of the building.

Taylor added the school was designed so additional classrooms could be constructed and added to the side of the building.

"There is potential for additional space," he said.

There were also rumours circulating that the gym ceiling would not be adequate to host sporting events like badminton.

Taylor said the gym ceiling would be 8.2 metres high, compared to the regulation standard of 6.5 metres.

The price tag of the school remained in the same area it was forecasted at last July.

It is estimated to cost $76.3 million to complete, but an updated estimate will be provided next month.

Taylor said construction has already started and pilings will be installed starting this fall.

"There are 600 steel piles to put in the ground," said Taylor.

"They can probably put in three or four per day."

The opening of the new school is still planned for 2012.