To achieve this goal, the new Northeast Metro Tech will be designed and constructed as a compact, four-story building (plus lower level) with the academic spaces arranged around a center courtyard and with the vocational technical shops primarily located on the lower level. The size and organization of the building reduces student travel distances while improving interactions and communication between students. The corridors will contain an ample amount of glass providing the building with natural light from the courtyard and views of Breakheart Reservation, giving an “open-feel”. Portions of the corridors within the academic wing will also contain break-out spaces with furniture and technology specifically designed to promote collaborative based learning. The furniture and technology throughout the building is intended to be flexible and mobile (where possible) to help attain this goal. This typically includes mobile interactive displays rather than stationary projectors, laptops/Chromebooks opposed to desktops, chairs/tables with casters instead of fixed furniture, etc. The objective is that the new Northeast Metro Tech provides students with 21st century skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity that can be applied to their future careers.”