P.S. 6
Staten Island, N.Y.
Mitchell/Giurgola Architects

Prototype serves a dual role as school by day, community center by night

© Chuck Choi

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To alleviate severe overcrowding on the south shore of Staten Island, the prototype design of the nearby P.S. 56 (also designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects) was adapted to the new site. Reworking the original to a different site streamlined the design process, reduced the design time from seven months to four, allowed post-occupancy evaluations to inform adjustments to the prototype, and provided unusual unity to these civic buildings that now connect neighboring communities.

The basic premise of the prototype is to facilitate the school’s dual role as an educational facility and community center—during the day a community of learners; after hours a resource for community activities. Public spaces including a gymnasium, cafeteria, and a 450-seat auditorium, all used for after-hours activities, are clustered together near the entrance to allow community access. Doors to the classroom wing can be secured to prevent the public from accessing nonpublic space after hours.

A courtyard playground was created with a landscaped berm on two sides rising to an upper play area. Half of the designated playground will be jointly run with the Department of Parks & Recreation for 24-hour access. Adjacent land is being developed into protected parks, preserving the views, natural vegetation, and habitat around the school. Besides the massing of the building that articulates the primary program components, a change in brick colors, a pergola in front of the building, and a small park beside the schoolyard further integrates the school with the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Formal name of Project:
Public School 6

Location:
Staten Island, N.Y.

Gross square footage:
110,00 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$32.5 million

Owner:
New York City School Construction Authority

Architect:
Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, LLP
170 West 97th Street
New York, New York 10025
P: 212 663 4000
F: 212 866 5006
www.mitchellgiurgola.com