SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA ACADEMY
SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA ACADEMY BALTIMORE, MD INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE The renovation of an empty surplus Archdiocese school building in Baltimore’s historic Federal Hill neighborhood provided a 26,000 SF home for St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, an 11-month school. The design challenge was to transform a 100 year old school building mired in outdated teaching techniques into an active, engaging, 21st Century learning environment for underserved middle school boys from at-risk neighborhoods. New and old intertwine side-by-side throughout the design. Highly efficient systems, a new elevator for ADA accessibility and various technologies were all methodically woven into the existing building structure. While some walls were removed to provided views and strengthen connections, historically significant volumes and artifacts were celebrated and off-set against modern insertions to express to students and visitors the stainability and value in repurposing Baltimore’s urban fabric.
SCIENCE CLASSROOM
“The new building gives us more opportunities and now matches the quality of school we are.” Malena McLaughlin 8th Grade Science teacher
URBAN SETTING This prominent corner location allows the school to reach out as a community partner to the surrounding neighborhood. Its urban setting affords students access to public transportation while allowing the faculty to easily plan trips to museums, the Science Center, the National Aquarium or Fort McHenry.
N 1. Entry Lobby 2. Reception/ Administration 3. Office 4. Classroom 5. Green Roof/ Garden 6. Bus Parking
6
7. Multi-Purpose Room below 8. Balcony 9. Conference Rm [2nd flr] 10. Media Room [3rd flr] 11. Art Classroom 12. Science Classroom
5
4
3
RIVERSIDE AVE
7
HALL ALLEY
BATTERY AVE
4 3
11
4
4
4 3
3 2
1
8
9, 10
3
12
E GITTINGS ST
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND and THIRD FLOORS
ENTRY LOBBY The existing entrance was opened up to create a space with a sense of arrival and visual security. The new lobby provides ADA access as well as a gathering space for students to socialize or assemble before field trips, sporting events or while waiting for parents or public transportation to arrive.
BEFORE
CLASSROOMS The renovation upgraded the classrooms to 21st century learning environments with technology, efficient mechanical systems, proper acoustics and lighting. Designed to be flexible, the thoughtfully selected furniture can be easily rearranged from lecture style to small or large group team-based learning. The existing windows provided great daylighting and views of the city.
BEFORE
CORRIDORS Designed as interactive social spaces, the corridors are where the different grades can come together and display current projects and achievements. The Vice Principal and Counselor offices are located directly off the 3rd and 4th floor corridors for easy access to the student population.
Students were involved during the design and the construction process was seen as a “hands-on” learning opportunity.
Despite a limited budget, sustainable practices were used throughout the project, from high efficient mechanical systems, lighting and plumbing fixtures, to a green roof with planters for student gardens.
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM The balcony overlooking the multi-purpose room, previously used for storage, was transformed into a quiet mediation space where students could gather for study, reflection or student organization meetings.
BEFORE
CONCEPT SKETCH
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM With direct access from the cafeteria through the salvaged and repaired wooden tri-fold sliding doors, the multi-purpose room transforms from a formal space for graduations and community events to a recreation area. The space can be configured for various sports with custom removable basketball hoops, volleyball nets, and roll-out wrestling mats or simply used as a space where students can burn-off energy before returning to class. BEFORE
SCIENCE CLASSROOM
“The new building gives us more opportunities and now matches the quality of school we are.” Malena McLaughlin 8th Grade Science teacher
URBAN SETTING This prominent corner location allows the school to reach out as a community partner to the surrounding neighborhood. Its urban setting affords students access to public transportation while allowing the faculty to easily plan trips to museums, the Science Center, the National Aquarium or Fort McHenry.
N 1. Entry Lobby 2. Reception/ Administration 3. Office 4. Classroom 5. Green Roof/ Garden 6. Bus Parking
6
7. Multi-Purpose Room below 8. Balcony 9. Conference Rm [2nd flr] 10. Media Room [3rd flr] 11. Art Classroom 12. Science Classroom
5
4
3
RIVERSIDE AVE
7
HALL ALLEY
BATTERY AVE
4 3
11
4
4
4 3
3 2
1
8
9, 10
3
12
E GITTINGS ST
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND and THIRD FLOORS
ENTRY LOBBY The existing entrance was opened up to create a space with a sense of arrival and visual security. The new lobby provides ADA access as well as a gathering space for students to socialize or assemble before field trips, sporting events or while waiting for parents or public transportation to arrive.
BEFORE
CLASSROOMS The renovation upgraded the classrooms to 21st century learning environments with technology, efficient mechanical systems, proper acoustics and lighting. Designed to be flexible, the thoughtfully selected furniture can be easily rearranged from lecture style to small or large group team-based learning. The existing windows provided great daylighting and views of the city.
BEFORE
CORRIDORS Designed as interactive social spaces, the corridors are where the different grades can come together and display current projects and achievements. The Vice Principal and Counselor offices are located directly off the 3rd and 4th floor corridors for easy access to the student population.
Students were involved during the design and the construction process was seen as a “hands-on” learning opportunity.
Despite a limited budget, sustainable practices were used throughout the project, from high efficient mechanical systems, lighting and plumbing fixtures, to a green roof with planters for student gardens.
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM The balcony overlooking the multi-purpose room, previously used for storage, was transformed into a quiet mediation space where students could gather for study, reflection or student organization meetings.
BEFORE
CONCEPT SKETCH
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM With direct access from the cafeteria through the salvaged and repaired wooden tri-fold sliding doors, the multi-purpose room transforms from a formal space for graduations and community events to a recreation area. The space can be configured for various sports with custom removable basketball hoops, volleyball nets, and roll-out wrestling mats or simply used as a space where students can burn-off energy before returning to class. BEFORE
