Primary School 54
Bronx, N.Y.
R.M.Kliment & Frances Halsband Architects

A Bronx School Negotiates the Slope of its Neighborhood

© Peter Aaron/Esto

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This new Pre-K-5 school accommodates 622 students and includes general classrooms; science, computer and art rooms; library, cafeteria, gymnasium, auditorium; administrative and support spaces.

The site is on the eastern boundary of a residential neighborhood in the Bronx that slopes up sharply. The building is designed to engage the lower and upper changes of grade by means of an accessible entrance and a playground at each level. The principal entrance for students is through a landscaped courtyard located in the east with a community entrance in the west—both entrances are connected internally by an open ornamental stair. A play area for the smallest children is located on the upper level adjoining their classrooms, and the principal playground is on the lower level adjoining the cafeteria. The two playgrounds are connected by a long stair.

The building is compact and linear, to allow the greatest area of open space around the school, which provides room for playgrounds, light, and air. It also establishes a security separation from the surrounding apartment buildings.

Formal name of building:
Primary School 54

Location:
Bronx, N.Y.

Gross square footage:
82,000 sf

Total construction cost:
$22 Million

Owner:
New York City Board of Education
Division of School Facilities
28-11 Queens Plaza North
Long Island City, NY 11101
718.391.6553

Community School District
10 One Fordham Plaza
Bronx, NY 10458
718.329.8125

Architect's firm
R.M.Kliment & Frances Halsband Architects
255 West 26 Street
New York, NY 10001
212.243.7400
212.633.9869 fax
www.kliment-halsband.com