K-12 Public Schools

Rumney Marsh Academy

Revere, MA

The goal for the new Rumney Marsh Academy middle school was to provide a stimulating learning environment with an orientation in the classics, and an emphasis on communication across the curriculum that maximizes individual potential. Both budget constraints and unexpected site costs restricted the building size and challenged the design team to develop efficient layouts and concentrate social learning spaces and gathering areas.

The project is sited adjacent to an arterial road and the existing High School. By reorganizing the athletic fields, recreational spaces, parking and access drives the design team was able to create a show piece for the city that reflects the Communications theme of the school. The use of curves and bright colors throughout minimizes the institutional feel and creates a motivational environment for this high-energy age group.

The three-story glass façade and spacious entrance lobby with a sweeping stairwell welcome users and visitors. The efficiently designed classroom floors each have a unique color scheme and curved corridor. A long stairwell spans the three floors and allows teachers to monitor students as they make their way between classes. Core spaces include a cafeteria with exterior plaza area, a 3rd floor library and a gymnasium with natural light emitted from a clerestory of translucent panels.

Young learners are encouraged to participate in a variety of media and the centrally located 180-seat lecture hall provides the perfect setting for debate, cable broadcasts and other productions. To further support the communications theme, the facility also hosts a state of the art television studio, graphic imaging lab and desktop publishing facilities for district publications. The project was completed in 2008.