Location:
Bedford, NY
Size:
25,800 square feet
Completion Date:
2017
Awards:
AIA WHV High Honor Award, Learning by Design Outstanding Project
The Rippowam Cisqua School tasked the design team with developing a next generation school that would support their immersive programming and transform the Upper Campus while keeping with the community’s “Bedford Barn” architectural tradition and school’s heritage.
The project addressed this challenge by creating a front elevation that reflects the community’s 350-year barn aesthetic. This is complemented by the glass facades of the building’s courtyard elevations, which creates a visual connection between the educational wings and the new heart of the campus, the student amphitheater.
The main entry provides a distinct first impression as it brings visitors in through the Great Hall, a double height space with exposed timber construction that visually connects to the Media Center on the floor above. The Media Center continues the exposed timber aesthetic with dramatic 18’ cathedral ceiling spanning the entire space. The space is open and flexible and includes collaboration spaces, reading nooks and spaces for presentations, meetings and classroom instruction.
The Innovation Center features adaptable work zones for instruction and fabrication including two computer workshops. The space opens directly to the stepped outdoor amphitheater through three sets of folding glass doors. The amphitheater functions as an outdoor learning, performance and presentation space.
The Dining Hall is a light filled space with a soaring butterfly roof and curtain wall that frames the view of the playing fields and outdoor seating terrace. Adjacent to the Dining Hall is a series of classrooms with daylighting sawtooth ceilings and window walls that provide views of the courtyard amphitheater.