Greenwich Village High School [2008]

Design Statement:
“School is a unique type of space. It is in part a living space, modeled after the homes where children learned before school. At times it is a gym, a theater, a studio, a library, and a city. Our design approach incorporates new concepts for living spaces, which may be conceived as urban microcosms, settings for activities and events from solitary study to communal eating to focused discussion. There is a similarity between the connected areas of the home and the school as a stimulating environment for personal and interpersonal exploration and growth.

In this view, the school is logically the place where we learn understanding and acquire confidence so to go out into the world to observe, make connections, apply our understanding, and grow. Our approach to GVHS will demonstrate understanding of the significance of creating an entirely new academic environment. Like any home it must be comfortable, functional, and economical. Like any MESH project it will also be innovative, with new materials, new technologies, playfulness, and keen attention to the details of program. There will be ideas that enable spaces to serve multiple functions and special spaces to inspire students and teachers.

When you build in New York you are best served by a combination of vision, persistence, and of course pragmatism.“

Links:
www.gvhsnyc.org