A SCHOOL OF GRAVITY
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK
This project is a school centered on the education of earth and planetary studies, with an emphasis on physics and gravitational sciences. The design of this school was based on the idea of a hand wrapping around an object, fingers opening, closing, and cupping. Formally, doubling curving surfaces were draped on a series of programmed spheres of varying sizes for differing age ranges of middle school and high school students. Undulations in slabs create areas of differing ceiling heights, facilitating classrooms, laboratories, and circulation in hill and canyon-like spaces. Further, each slab creates an above and below condition that produces varying levels of privacy and exposure to light. Public programs on the lower floors and roof are available to the surrounding community of the Lower East Side of New York City, which accommodate a skatepark, gym, auditorium, observatory, and planetarium.
Model Photograph: Front ElevationModel Photograph: Side ElevationModel Photograph: AxonometricModel Photograph: Spoon Concept ModelModel Photograph: Sphere Gravity Concept ModelModel Photograph: Interior
Model Photograph: Interior
Model Photograph: Interior
Orthographic Drawing: Long Section
Orthographic Drawing: Short Section
Orthographic Drawing: Roof Plan
Orthographic Drawing: Third Floor Plan
Orthographic Drawing: Second Floor Plan
Orthographic Drawing: First Floor Plan
Perspective Rendering: Classroom Interior
Perspective Rendering: Gymnasium Interior
Perspective Rendering: Exterior