Learning Mall at Birdville

The Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning (BCTAL) is a specialized high school facility focused on preparing students for success in life, college and work in the 21st century. Consolidating the career and technology programs of three district high schools, BCTAL provides learning spaces for media arts and technology; engineering; computer science; culinary arts; health sciences; cosmetology; criminal justice; business/marketing; and automotive and construction technology. The facility is designed to foster best learning practices through its flexibility and transparency, which promote interaction and collaborative learning among students.


The school is organized around a main "learning mall" modeled after its retail counterparts. Featuring transparent "storefronts" that showcase student work and activities, this centralized arcade is a favorite gathering place for students. Stand-out signage, projecting forms and unique color palettes differentiate course offerings while also lending a sense of continuity to the school's interior. The atmosphere is engaging and distinctly non-generic. The mall has furnished meeting areas for scheduled or impromptu gatherings, and its large, studio-like classrooms accommodate flexible group sizes.


There is one iconic sign – a 1990's Mustang convertible mounted on the wall – that announces entry into the auto technology suite. The preparation needed for the vehicle prior to its installation-painting, removing heavy components, mounting brackets, buffing and polishing-became a student project. A similar sculptural piece is planned for outside the construction technology classroom.


Located at one end of the learning mall is a bistro operated by the culinary arts department; a school store and branch bank operated by business/marketing students; a video theater and ticket booth; an omni (multi-purpose) room, which is available to both the school and community; and a multi-plex video display that serves as both a directory and showcase.