St. Ann's School
Brooklyn Heights, New York City
The Lower School moved to the newly renovated structure. Grades 1, 2 and 3 were accommodated with 12 classrooms, a new gymnasium, library, cafeteria, music, art studios and the administrative offices. While working with GVZ architects I was involved with the design, layout, implementation and project management of the project.
Brief
- vertical learning design
- open plan learning
- 12 new classrooms
- adaptable classrooms
- roof playing area
- add a gymnasium
- new cafeteria
- new library
What we love
The library
The library has a lovely cubby learning space which makes us love learning even more.
Gymnasium with a view
The new 8th floor gym was built on the existing roof of the old building.
Gallery
Layout of the classroom design was based on a central rotated cube which was adapted for the various needs of each grade. The non-traditional layouts had movable wall partitions. The gym was added to the top floor by rebuilding the roof for optimum ceiling height, creating a column free space. The new roof was configured as an outdoor play area.
Education is changing. Schools design needs to adapt to new learners.
Learning personalised.
In the 19th + 20th century learning was based on authoritative sources such as libraries, encyclopaedias and well respected old institutions.
Learning is now everywhere.
The container which "holds" learning, with 24/7 learning, is now unconstrained by time and space.
Networks are the new classroom.
Formal structures are still used but learning also takes place in networks: bookclubs, digital. libraries, cafes. We no longer need organisations to learn.
