SPRING 2025

The Harlem Valley School for the Arts (or HVSA) represents rebirth for a site holding educational significance for its community for over 150 years. At the heart of the Village of Brewster, which is also my hometown, this site hosted schools up until 2012. The Garden Street Elementary School, a 1925 building on the site has been abandoned since 2012 and fallen into extreme disrepair, while also having asbestos & numerous other problems. However, this site offers a natural vantage point atop a flat hill, overlooking the town. This location became the epicenter of our design methodology, inspiring us to wrap the building along the hillside in a C-shape. The building features two separate approaches: the primary entrance, which wraps around the front to serve as a drop-off location for incoming students, and a secondary service alley at the rear to accommodate utility needs. The building also includes a central courtyard with a feature staircase that serves as the heart of the structure, connecting all other hallways. This network of hallways creates several open spaces, fostering collaboration and community engagement. Additionally, the design incorporates two dedicated learning pods: one for lower education (grades 6-8) and one for higher education (grades 9-12). These are connected by multiple community-oriented spaces and departments, including Performing Arts, Fine Arts, and Athletics.

Partner project with Emery Medlock

Professor: Alejandro Branger