Located in the heart of Cleveland’s cultural center, the new school forms a community gateway for artistic expression.
The new school inspires artistic expression, with multidisciplinary spaces for performing and creative arts. The building design articulates the movement found within, spanning visual arts, music, dance and theater programs.
During the existing building demolition, the design team worked with the Cleveland Art community to preserve a façade mural painted by prominent African American artist, Mark Howard. The piece was digitally captured and reproduced into a wall graphic located in the northeast stair.
Community-informed design
Meetings held in collaboration with the Cleveland Botanical Garden Society incorporated use of native, indigenous plant selections and defined the plantings within the Bio-Swales.
Security was addressed by creating a vibrant public entry plaza that allows a social space for students to gather before entering a secured vestibule that controls the flow of pedestrian movement. Interior circulation spaces are located along the exterior walls taking advantage of natural light while playfully angled walls create an additional sense of inspiration.
The design establishes rhythm and movement along the sweeping, three story façade, by contrasting large expanses of glass and tapered zinc rain screen with playful vertical punched openings.
Accessible education
The school’s location in proximity to the new Regional Transit Authority bus terminal was prioritized for student access, as 80% of the student population arrives via the public transportation system.
The school boasts two art galleries, a gymnasium, music rehearsal rooms, dance practice rooms, art classrooms, a media center, classrooms, administrative offices and Black Box Theater that serves all grade levels.
