Baldwin School Innovation Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Voith and Mactavish Architects

Article source: Voith and Mactavish Architects

Looking to renew an existing poolhouse that was no longer needed, The Baldwin School saw in it an opportunity to create a new and flexible space for its students. It is an all-girls’ school that ranges from Pre-K to 12th grade so one of the main challenges of this project was to make this space comfortable and safe for students of all ages.

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

• Architects: Voith and Mactavish Architects
• Project: Baldwin School Innovation Center
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Photography: Jeffrey Totaro
• Builder: Warfel Construction
• Owner’s Rep: Watchdog
• Civil: Chester Valley Engineers
• Structural: DCI + MacIntosh
• MEP: Bruce E. Brooks & Associates
• Landscape: Viridian
• AV/IT: KMK Technologies

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

The intention of this area would be to support student collaboration and interdisciplinary education on the campus, by creating a space for students to keep learning, making, and sharing. The process started with a feasibility study and conceptual design to help guide future improvements, and it later advanced into design documentation and construction.

The original building, with a footprint of approx. 3,500 square feet, consisted mainly of a large open space where the pool was excavated. To make the most out of these existing conditions and avoid unnecessary costs, the void formerly occupied by the pool was converted into a sunken seating area, which can be accessed by steps or a ramp; but it can also be covered over as needed, to maximize the efficiency of the space.

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

With the intention to further optimize efficiency during busy schooldays, flexible tables and seating were placed to allow for quick and different reconfigurations. Together with the sunken seating, situated low to the ground, there is a comfortable place for even the youngest students. Storage, whiteboards, and display space are all available low to the ground. Higher up, out of reach of small hands, there is also a makerspace area with three 3D printers and other crafting tools which can be utilized creatively by older students on a variety of projects.

The area looks clean and orderly, but also spacious and dynamic thanks in part to the finishes used throughout. Neutral colors and materials, such as the wood flooring and ceiling, combine with white surfaces with all details in blue. Bright cushions provide a strategic burst of additional color. Through a series of French doors that open to an adjacent courtyard patio, this renewed space connects physically and visually with the rest of campus, while allowing natural light to flood into the interior, resulting in a lively environment that promotes learning and development for students.

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

Image Courtesy © Jeffrey Totaro

Image Courtesy © Voith and Mactavish Architects

Image Courtesy © Voith and Mactavish Architects

Image Courtesy © Voith and Mactavish Architects

Tags: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Category: School

This entry was posted on Friday, February 17th, 2023 at 7:21 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.