This project identifies a fundamental difference in the way the arts classes and traditional classes are taught in schools. It aims to bring the two styles closer together to create a seamless transition from arts education to traditional education. This goal is accomplished in three ways, the first being how students use the building. When students become a part of this school, they are taken out of the Philadelphia public school system for a period of three months, during which they can focus on learning their choice of dance, music, or digital art. This goal is also embodied in the way students are taught, a teaching style called project based learning, which allows students to unlock their creativity inside the classroom. Based off of current models, arts teachers are brought into traditional classroom settings to assist students in completing projects relating to the core subject. The final way this goal is accomplished is through the integration of community project spaces. These spaces become the link between the core classrooms and the art studios. Here students can brainstorm new ideas for their musical piece while working to complete their project for history.

This diagram shows how the building took shape. Programmatic elements for each art form were treated as separate volumes, these volumes were then spread apart and placed in a contextual frame relating to the heights of the buildings on either side of the site. The spaces between each volume were then designated as group project spaces. 

A 1/32" = 1" scale study model

To celebrate the true nature of this building, the three volumes that hold programmatic elements for each art form were pushed to the north end of the site, and treated as jewels inside the frame. Classrooms for core subjects, like history and algebra, were stacked on top of one another and placed near the circulation tower to the south.     

The lower floors of this building are dedicated to the public. A performance space allows the community to view student performances, and large escalators carry them to the top of the volume, creating a courtyard above the streets. 

Below is a 1/8" = 1' scale model made out of white and clear Plexiglas.