A Challenging Assignment

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects has been selected to design new Pre-K-8 school in New York.

Peter Halsey Sherwood -- Interior Design, 3/3/2005 12:00:00 AM

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects must create a plan for a tricky lot. The firm was awarded by the New York City School Construction Authority full architectural services for the design of PS/IS 263, a new Pre-K-8 school in Queens Village.

The plot for the 630-seat and 88,000 square foot facility is 15 percent smaller than initially proposed and, geometrically speaking, oddly shaped. The largely standardized rectilinear spaces must also respond to both the busy commercial strip of Jamaica Avenue and the adjoining quiet residential neighborhood, which is a few blocks from the Nassau County border.

To foster a connection between the school and community, major assembly spaces such as the gymnasium, cafeteria and 300-seat auditorium will be available for public use.

The school is scheduled for occupancy September 2007, just in time fall classes.