< K-12

John S. Martinez School

A two year process of community engagement preceded the design, assuring it would have a minimal impact on the existing fabric of stable homes, and stimulating neighborhood redevelopment. It’s siting reinforces the scale of homes on the street separating them from the proximate industrial area.

COLLABORATION ART INTEGRATION RESULT

Location

New Haven, Connecticut

Services

Complete Architectural Services

Project Size and Type

101,000 s.f.
New Construction

Schedule

Completion: 2004

Collaboration

Well beyond a typical scope, our vision for the school as a community resource included a collaboration with City agencies to repair sidewalks, improve facades and fill empty lots, bringing a declining neighborhood back to life

Art Integration

Students and contractors participated in workshops to sculpt bricks that later were integrated with the facades, expressing the hopes and aspirations of the community. Opening day found them searching the building for their contributions!

Result

A neighborhood was stabilized and a community nourished by the process and creation of this school which is uniquely sited and designed for this specific neighborhood and the families it serves.