SJNMA - Middle School
Project Contribution:
I worked closely on the design and construction documentation of this project with Pedro Lima, owner and lead designer of Pedro Lima Interiors. We both worked on the selections and documentation of fabrics, materials, and custom casework.
Project Design Philosophy and Mission Statement:
This project is a partial renovation of an existing builder's lower level located at 1101 N Genesee St. Delafield WI 53018. The occupancy will remain I-Institutional. The purpose of this renovation is to create an optimal learning environment to improve student education and increase current student enrollment.
St. John's Northwestern Academies Mission Statement:
St. John’s Northwestern Academies educates and develops young men and women to be responsible citizens, as well as moral and ethical leaders who are inspired to take advantage of today and tomorrow’s opportunities. We achieve this through our foundational pillars of academic excellence, enriching spiritual and character development, outstanding athletic programs, and premier leader development training in a secure, nurturing and inclusive environment.
Concept
St. John's Northwestern Academies is renovating a lower level of their current educational facility to create classrooms for their new middle school students. The chosen aesthetics will subtly show the school branding while creating a space that the academy can use to market to prospective students and families. The furniture specified will be durable and easily cleanable to be functional for this specific environment.
Design Solution - Furniture
The design solution for this project was to achieved by creating flexible environments for the students and providing highly durable furniture.
Unique flip-top height-adjustable desks and tables were selected to allow students to ability to adjust their personal learning space without creating any distractions to their fellow classmates. The KI Rukus chair was specifically selected because of its adjustability and comfort. Each classroom was designed with a tiered seating arrangement to allow all students to direct sightlines towards the teacher and main teaching location.
All of the fabrics and materials were selected specifically for this age group. All of the furniture frames and fabrics are durable enough to have longevity in a high-stress environment.
Design Solution - Materials
Durability, functionality, and cleanability were all of the main factors that were taken into account while selecting the materials for this project. We were able to utilize uniquely colored materials to help bring SJNMA's branding colors into the space and give it a more educational aesthetic.
We selected kinetex for the acoustical properties along with the cleanability and comfort. This material is placed in all of the classrooms where the students could be standing and working. By providing a more comfortable floor we can encourage the students to stand and move instead of being seated for the majority of their class times.
Within the bathrooms, we were able to create a focal wall and layer different styles and colors of wall tile. While this enhances these spaces it also makes it easier for cleaning and saniy=tizing the spaces.
