The new Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria creates a powerful architectural identity for this 1,000-student public high school for the visual and performing arts. The design celebrates the School’s arts curriculum and connects visually, programmatically and spatially with the surrounding community. The transparency of the building’s primary façade reveals the studio and rehearsal spaces within and draws the city into the building at the first two levels. A multi-story skylit atrium cuts through the building to illuminate interior spaces and highlight the oval form of the concert hall at the center of the building. The five-story structure culminates in a rooftop landscaped courtyard for gatherings and outdoor performances. The 800-seat, state-of-the-art Tony Bennett Concert Hall is the focal point of the 5-story structure. The transparency of the principal facade provides expansive views into the rehearsal and studio spaces for passersby and provides students with views of the surrounding context.