Student-Street Concept

The school's most distinguished space is the primary circulation path, a two-story curving "student street" that is traveled by all daily and connects the student houses and common use areas. Bordered by a three-story colonnade wall at the building entries, the space also functions as the "commons" or heart of the school, and features two-story high murals relocated from the predecessor school. Capped by a linear skylight, the infusion of sunlight changes the mood and qualities of this interior space over the course of the day and year. Bridges on the second floor connecting to the library and fitness areas overlook the commons, offering views of activities below as well as visual orientation - all contributing to the character of a positive user-friendly environment.

The design concept captures the state of transition, acknowledging that students attending this facility are experiencing a significant phase in their lives - expanding and developing their educational, social and cultural horizons - and that the facility itself must represent a touchstone in this process. The architecture expresses this concept in plan.

The student street enables the 185,000 sf building to function as a "student village" as it links the building's commons, main street, and neighborhoods. The school is subdivided into four individual "houses," each consisting of 350 students who remain together for common activities such as lunch or gym, creating "schools within a school," and an identifiable and personal environment for the students.

The student street also helps the project meet its goal of being a community resource. A Community Center fuses school and neighborhood, creating a sense of ownership and pride and a symbol of commitment and continuity.