Description:

Built in 1902, Wadleigh High School y consists of two (2) Public schools (including Frederick Douglas Academy) and one (1) Charter school. The program provided by NYC School Construction Authority was FDA required a science lab upgrade to meet the educational needs of the school. The existing classroom space consisted of an abandoned science lab, science prep-room and various storage spaces. The Principal for FDA, along with the science staff, indicated that the science lab upgrade project should be designed for the uses of three different classes, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. The science lab was designed to fit the strictest programs which are the Chemistry and Physics labs.

In order to accommodate all three types of science classes that will be occurring in the
same room, multiple layouts were researched to accommodate the existing building layout. Two criteria were deemed most important when selecting a layout. One, that proper clearances were provided while accommodating the maximum number of 30 students as explained by the school; two, that all students be able to see the teachers prep desk and marker/black board for lecture purposes. These two criteria led us to a layout for a long, thin classroom which provided that no students’ back would face the teacher during lecture.

Coordination among consultants was crucial in this existing building, due to the work involving extensive plumbing and sprinkler work, as well as electrical and mechanical. 

Completion: 2014

Project Cost: $1.2 million

Project Size: 2,150 GSF