The building addition at Homestead Elementary School was a program-driven solution, providing a main multi-purpose space that can be used for library, art, or music programs. With book shelving located along the perimeter of the main space, there is also an adjacent storage/ support room for music and another room for art – each to be opened and utilized while each program “has the floor.”
The project also provided for an inter-connected, open layout computer room for media as a solo function or for use in tandem with the main area when it is used for library/media programs. Two operable partitions can be opened and closed as needed – one is full-height while the other sits atop a row of book stacks. A large bay window with built-in risers doubles as a story-reading and sitting area as well as a music stage.
The goal of the design team was to accommodate program scheduling alternatives without physically over-building. BBS has been using the same “flexible space” model as a reference with other public school districts having programmatic conflicts in a difficult economy, so as to build less while providing more flexible spatial solutions.
Project Facts
- Client: Garden City Union Free School District
- Location: Garden City, New York
- Completion: 2013
- Cost: $3,100,000
- Services: Architectural Design, Electrical Engineering, Interior Design, IT System + Network Design, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering
Awards
- The Top K-12 Citation of 2013, American School & University Magazine.