Sunset Park High School

Location

New York, USA

Sector

Education

Size

22,018 m²

Scope

Confidential

Status

Completed

The New York School Construction Authority retained RMJM to provide complete design services for a 1,650-seat High School in Sunset Park. The program called for the consolidation of three schools of 550 students each in a 22,018 m² building located between 3rd and 4th Avenues and 34th and 35th Streets. The 4,498 m² site is bordered by small residential buildings with shops at street level along 4th Avenue and a New York City park along 3rd Avenue. The neighbourhood is also home to a mix of warehouses and light industrial buildings.

The school building’s design called for a five-story plus basement structure with a façade compatible with the neighborhood fabric for a modern building. The park provides abundant natural light and a picturesque view of the west side of the building. A presence on 4th Avenue announces the school to this prominent thoroughfare. On the east side, the residential and retail facades engage in a pleasing dialogue with the neighborhood. The building contributes to the neighborhood in function as well as aesthetics by housing community functions on weekends and after hours.