Because the parcel is long and narrow, it presented specific challenges to the arrangement of parking areas and green space, as well as the movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic through the site. By rethinking the building’s orientation on the site, the school’s entrance and vehicular access was moved to the back of the building, creating an alternate entry sequence, whereby the children approach the school through a landscape garden rather than a highly trafficked street. Cars are routed in a one-way pattern through the site to minimize the school’s intrusion in the community and to reduce delays during drop-off and pick-up. Conversion of the warehouse to a school required that the site be rezoned from commercial to educational use. The process involved obtaining approval from planning and zoning boards, as well as a period of community input. This project was completed within a restrictive design and construction timeframe of under 10 months.
Ecommercial Eco-Structure Award, 2010
Special Citation, 2009
Innovative School Design Merit Award, 2008
Honor Award for Design Excellence, 2008
IDID Excellence in Sustainable Design, 2008