Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Additional Info
Award Winner : Innovative Modular Solutions, Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Enrollment growth, including waiting lists of students, necessitated the expansion of the existing K-8 program to K-12. The school leaders’ vision determined the need for a building to serve junior high and high school programs. The school site was selected in an industrial area bordered by a Dune & Swale Protected area & Protected Wetlands. The goal - two distinct schools needed to share the same piece of property & maintain separation and grade level integrity. A desire to avoid duplication of support staff & unnecessary costs led to the design of one building - a two story school with junior high school & high school wings separated by a two story entry, shared services area and administrative offices. The overall design & exterior masonry facade was chosen to enhance the surroundings while addressing environmental issues. Creative planning features include separate student drop off & pick-up locations plus separate entrances, exits & access corridors to shared services areas.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : For cost effectiveness and efficiency in management of project construction, IMS was appointed as construction manager, overseeing not only the modular portion, but the entire construction project. Energy efficiency was enhanced by the incorporation of a centralized electronically monitored and controlled HVAC system. Use of split face block instead of brick saved money while effectively accommodating the environmental issues, including heavy car, air and train traffic noise. Outstanding savings have been and will continue to be realized from shared services areas. Additionally, the outdoor setting is being integrated into the curriculum, and the City of Gary is incorporating the school site into its master park system plan by developing a future athletic complex on property adjacent to the school. This school is a welcome addition to an economically blighted area and has been embraced with great pride by the entire community!
Design Firm Name : FMK Architects
Occupied Date : 8/29/2008
Production Start Date : 1/15/2008
Project Location City : Gary
Project Location State Name : IN
Technical Innovation : The school boasts non-combustible construction & full fire suppression. The combination of modular units built to allow for all wall, floor & ceiling finishes to be site installed, resulted in high quality & visual appeal while saving money. The floor composition is steel decking with a cementitious sub floor cast in place after assembly. The exterior masonry split face block blends visually in the natural setting & provides an excellent sound barrier from nearby airport, railroad & street traffic. The unique situation of housing two distinct schools on the same property & in the same building, led to the creative two story design, using the entryway, administration support staff offices & shared program rooms as a divider. The value added design includes shared multi-media center, full sized contest gym, science labs, art, music/band rooms & a fully functional cafeteria. The layout easily accommodates two separately functioning schools with unique corridors, entries & exits.
Total Square Feet : 58520