PSIS 437K

5 stories / 105,000 sf
2015 completion

NYC School Construction Authority
Client

Michael Fieldman Architects
Michael Fieldman, FAIA
Design Architect

Rawlings architects pc
Associate Architect

  • Ed Rawlings, RA
  • Steve Kilian, RA
  • Donald Flagg, AIA, LEED AP
  • Matthew McClain, RA
  • Douglas Currier, RA
  • Kai Chi Cheung, RA
  • Joshua Wilson

Silman
Structural Engineer

Loring Consulting Engineers
MEPF Engineer

Maitra Associates
Civil Engineer

Mathews Nielsen
Landscape Architect

VDA
Vertical Transportation

Skolodz and Associates
Food Service

Acoustic Distinctions
Acoustic Consultant

Silverite Construction Co.
General Contractor

Vidaris
Sustainability

Langan
Geotechnical Engineer

Alexander Severin
Photographer

Awards:
2017 Society of American Registered Architects New York design award

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.