Arts and Humanities Wing
The Arts and Humanities represents the final phase in the implementation of the School’s master plan, addressing many specific educational priorities, as well as strengthening the community and encouraging more active interdisciplinary learning. The addition of 12 Humanities classrooms permits the uncoupling of Middle and Upper School daily schedules, allowing each division greater curricular flexibility and more appropriate class scheduling.
The Library, formerly at the end of a long hall, has been transformed into a dramatic two-story gathering and learning hub, inviting constant traffic and interaction, which is reinforced by its proximity to the School’s new Café, offering informal gathering and dining space in a dramatic setting.
Among the highest educational priorities addressed in the new space is the integration of all Visual Arts studios and a formal School Gallery for display of student and visiting artist work, bringing it into the central life of the School after many years in a separate, remote building.
Finally, a 2,500 square foot Fabrication Lab, featuring a wide array of design and fabrication tools will support the School’s growing commitment to a broader appreciation of inventive approaches to design thinking, exploration, and problem solving.
The new space will bring transformative change to the School’s life, enhancing educational opportunity and building an ever-stronger community.
Science Building
The 14,000 sf STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) building features four classroom-labs (CLABs) dedicated to Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Engineering. It is also the temporary home of the constantly humming FAB LAB (fabrication lab), which features 3D printers, laser cutter and a CNC router. Special attention has been given to creating spaces which encourage interaction and collaboration inside and outside of formal instructional space. Interactive spaces include special project shared labs, small-group break-out rooms, informal lounge spaces, and meeting space open to the corridor circulation. Visual links between circulation and instructional spaces, as well as circulation and the Science office were important objectives. Wherever possible, flexibility is incorporated in the plan, reflecting the uncertainty of the direction of evolving technology over the life of the building.
Community Room and Center for Leadership
JGRA converted a courtyard into a 2-story Community Room for gatherings and expanded healthy-choice dining. A new Center for Leadership includes a technology-classroom focusing on interactive video-conferencing with partner institutions worldwide. Reconfigured interiors improve circulation.