PSIS 437K

PSIS 437K is a new pre-kindergarten through 8th grade public school in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. The building responds to a complex site with a plan organized around an entry court on its south side. A gymnasium is located on a cellar level with extensive clerestory windows adjacent to the entry promenade, and a double-height lobby space further opens the school to the entry court. Separate play yards are provided for the early childhood and PS/IS age groups. Entry to the building occurs through a double-height loggia space looking into the upper portion of the gymnasium and the entry court.

A classroom wing on the western side of the site is clad in brick with a granite base. Deep vertical window mullions temper daylight into the classrooms. On the east is a large-volume wing housing the sunken gymnasium with an auditorium above. This is clad in a terracotta rainscreen system. The library, administrative offices, and circulation spaces overlooking the entry court are enclosed with glazed curtain wall screened with vertical and horizontal sun shades. Selective use of glass block demarcates and provides natural light to vertical circulation cores.

The entry court features three prismatic skylights which admit daylight to the cafeteria below. These are surrounded by plantings and benches configured as outdoor gathering spaces, allowing the classroom environment to extend to the exterior of the building.