AWARD WINNER Educational Interiors American School & University

Designed for 750 students, K-8 grades, a 3- level scheme permits maximum outdoor recreation use of a relatively small Urban Site. And at the same time separate age groups on each floor. The Primary pod K-2 grades are clustered in the first level & has a separate entrance. 3-5 grades are on the second Level, and 6-8 grades are on the third level. Community Facilities also have a separate entrance.

Every Floor is Color coded. The 1st Floor has the darkest blue colors to achieve the highest contrast for the younger children.

New York Avenue School front view
New York Avenue School front view

The 3rd floor is light blue to create a more calming effect for the 6th, 7th, & 8 graders. Younger children are told to stay on the solid floor color, reinforced by a lower ceiling and columns. Classroom colors are integrated into the floor design and the wall pattern behind the teacher’s desk helps student focus. The exterior and interior use of color can also help foster creativity.

New York Avenue School perspective view

An eight-foot wide glass enclosed stairway at the main entrance allows older students to bypass younger students to get to their floors. The exterior design echoes the housing diversity in the neighborhood with a variety of roof forms and facade patterns. Other features include an expandable Gymnasium and Cafeteria, a Teaching Alcove, and cutting edge interactive video, voice and data systems.

Colors separate grade clusters & identify classrooms. Yellow circles on the floors lead to wide stairs flooded with daylight through glass walls. The natural light penetrates the corridors through door panels held open by code approved releases.

An eight-foot wide glass enclosed stairway at the Main Entrance also older students to bi-pass younger students to get to their floors. Other features include an expandable gymnasium and cafeteria, and cutting-edge interactive video, voice and data systems.