Design solutions turn old garage into dynamic school.

In a city where the Department of Education serves more than a million children, the design and construction of educational facilities presents creative opportunity despite the inherent difficulties. Urban architects and planners are pioneering innovative solutions under extraordinary constraints to produce attractive schools through adaptive reuse and nontraditional renovations.

The new Bronx Lighthouse Charter School, designed by Gran Kriegel Associates, is one such project. The firm converted a dilapidated parking garage into a bright, cheerful and appealing school. School administrators said they are pleased with the outcome.

"For underprivileged youth, getting a new building--and it's a beautiful building--showed our students the importance of education," said Matt Gallup, regional director of Bronx Lighthouse Charter School. "It lets kids know that education is valued. Every student should have such a clean, safe and attractive school."

In 2004, Longwood community in the Bronx was in desperate need of public school classrooms. So the city provided funding for nonprofit charter schools, which required less time and expense for construction than typical projects developed by the normal process.

Faced with the prospect of converting a 15,000 s/f, two-story garage into a school almost triple that size, the recommendation was to demolish the building. But a caveat stipulated that only renovation projects could be developed under the city's program.

Other complications arose. The garage swallowed half the site and had an unstable roof. A large automobile ramp occupied the ground floor. The small irregular building site did not provide space for a ground-level outdoor play area. The elevated subway line above the major commercial street dominated the low-income community with many diverse building types. The entire garage had to be renovated after complete remediation of site contamination. In addition, the school needed to be completed--from design through construction--in 24 months.

The renovation included reinforcing the roof, removing the ramp and building a cellar for mechanical equipment on the vacant site. The steel frame, insulated metal-stud walls, and off-the-shelf metal cladding with bent metal window frames, allowed for fast construction within budget constraints. All new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were installed.

The design concept is evident in highlights of the finished building. The diagonal force generated by the "El" and the diagonal shape of the irregular site were used to unify the school's design, creating a diagonal "Main Street" corridor, which links the garage with the addition and encourages socialization.

Other unifying elements included similar design in classroom entrances, bulletin boards and windows. Each classroom entrance has colorful bulletin boards to display student work. Porthole windows and rounded lights are in keeping with the nautical theme to complement the school's name and identity. The vibrant scarlet facade stands out, yet fits into the neighborhood, encouraging urban revitalization.

The lively interior augments the school's rigorous "Arts-Infusion" curriculum, which uses the arts to engage and motivate students. Liberal use of skylights and interior glazing brings daylight into classrooms and common areas. A rooftop play area with a basketball hoop accords outdoor access. The third-floor multipurpose room opens onto the playground and offers convertible space that is currently being used for a cafeteria, physical education classes and assembly space.

Coupling classrooms promoted interaction among grades. In addition to 26 general classrooms, the school has two fully equipped science labs, a computer lab with wireless Internet, an arts room, music room and language room. The school now serves kindergarten through the fourth grade, with plans to expand up to the 12th grade. There are about 20 children in kindergarten classrooms and 22 children in the remaining grades.

A creative use of basic and economic finish materials minimizes short-term and long-term maintenance. For example, vinyl-flooring tile used as wainscoting (as opposed to paint) on wall surfaces bestows a fun and colorful design. The "scuff-free" wainscoting is especially appreciated in a building occupied by children.

Strategies for sustainable design included computerized control systems to monitor technical and electrical systems that were designed to maximize energy performance. The firm implemented a reduction of indoor air contaminants using low-VOC paints and coatings. In addition, water-efficient plumbing fixtures were installed. Lighting consuls in each classroom were also added for flexibility, though skylights offer natural daylight while decreasing electricity needs. Windows are operable throughout.

In short, an effective and clear design coupled with a practical approach resulted in a fun and lively school that benefits students and contributes a positive visual presence to its neighborhood.