Monthly Archives: September 2016

Jacob Burns Film Center, Media Arts Lab

The Media Arts Lab at the Jacob Burns Film Center is a 27,000sf education center offering instructional programs in many forms of filmmaking and multi-media production. The Film Center’s mission is grounded in developing 21st century literacy skills, including critical viewing and production skills which are essential for a generation growing up in a world in which media and technology are increasingly the way we communicate, participate in community and engage in democracy and the global economy. The demand for this program curriculum led the Film Center to launch a Campaign for 21st Century Education to provide for the design and construction of a “center for celebrating the stories that live in each and every person:” The Media Arts Lab.

The U.S. Green Building Council recognized the MAL for process and results in sustainable design by awarding it with LEED Gold certification. Key sustainable features of note include extensive day lighting, geothermal wells, photovoltaic panels, a green roofing system, low/no-flow plumbing fixtures, and local and recycled building materials. The facility was constructed on the site of an existing building which was deconstructed with 85% of the building materials being recycled. The owners were motivated by the concept that a building itself could function as an educational tool and “green fact” signs throughout the building call out sustainable features and elements with explanations and notes on the impact of choices.

Groundbreaking: Brewster Central School District

 Left to right: KG+D team members Ryan Carper, Sarah Dirsa, Joseph Reilly, Dr. Timothy Conway former Superintendent of Brewster CSD, KG+D team members Susan Davidson and Russ Davidson, Dr. Valerie Henning-Piedmonte Superintendent of Brewster CSD and Victor Karlsson Director of Business Services
Left to right: KG+D team members Ryan Carper, Sarah Dirsa, Joseph Reilly, Dr. Timothy Conway former Superintendent of Brewster CSD, KG+D team members Susan Davidson and Russ Davidson, Dr. Valerie Henning-Piedmonte Superintendent of Brewster CSD and Victor Karlsson Director of Business Services

Brewster Central School District held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 1, 2016 marking the beginning of renovation and addition projects that are to be completed at JFK Elementary School, CV Star Intermediate School and Brewster High School. The projects are a part of a $40 million dollar bond referendum that was passed in December 2014 of which the overall program is currently under budget and ahead of schedule..

Following a series of capital improvement projects associated with the referendum—including roof repairs, asbestos removal and security upgrades—the larger projects are set to begin immediately. The projects being completed at Brewster High School include extensive locker room and weight room renovations, a reorganized and streamlined cafeteria servery and a flexible and innovative learning commons. CV Star Intermediate School will gain a new two-story four-classroom addition. JFK Elementary School will undergo multiple additions including a six classroom, library and cafeteria addition. Furthermore, the elementary school’s existing roundhouse building will feature a new terrace off the discovery and innovation center with bi-fold doors that open to an interior courtyard providing for indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

“KG+D is committed to our partnership with Brewster Central School District,” said Russell Davidson, FAIA President of KG+D Architects, “we are honored to have the opportunity to build upon our past success together while working toward the future goals that will allow the District to continue to provide flexible, innovative and student-center spaces.”

The various projects will be implemented in phases throughout the 2016-2017 school year and the new additions will be ready for use in September 2017.