We
are very proud of the integration of all the elements of the project,
from the smallest to largest. We worked rigorously to create a building
that reflects the school, the site, the demands of good construction,
and economy.
E.L.Haynes
is an urban school, and its location on a very tight site challenged
the entire project team to achieve success. Every inch has been used
productively by this collaboration.
The
design breaks the mass of the building into smaller scale volumes, to
relate both the residential side streets and larger scale of Georgia
Avenue. The rich brick color of the neighboring row houses is reflected
in both the color of the volumes and the scale. The lighter color
stucco volume reduces the visual weight overall.
The
building is designed to be open and inviting to the Petworth
neighborhood community. The open lobby design makes the school and its
students far more transparent, while providing connections to the
largest spaces, the multipurpose room below, and sculptural stairs to
the gymnasium above. Tall panels for the display of student work are
visible as well.
Every
classroom is bright, and many offer wonderful long views across the
city, particularly from the rooftop playground. Hub spaces support
group activity and unify the grades within the lower and middle schools.
The
design of the building supports an extensive green roof, and many other
features have been incorporated for reducing energy use. Students will
be introduced to how their building actually works by having the
various systems exposed.
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