2C — June 14 - 27, 2013 — Pennsylvania — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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P ennsylvania
How Cambridge-Lee went to market faster in Greater Reading.
By Kevin Blackney, AIA and Troy C. Hill, AIA Mastering the design of urban public schools I
n 2001, the Philadelphia School District initiated a relationship with the Mastery Charter network that has proved successful in every measurable way. Attendance has increased 15%; violence decreased 80%; 71% of students now exceed the state reading level, up from 20% in just two years, and in a national broad- cast President Obama offered a Mastery school as an example for the nation. Led by CEO Scott Gordon, Mastery’s success is due to a clear mission with core values that put student achievement first, and the design of its fa- cilities supports that mission. Working closely together, Mas- tery and its architect Blackney Hayes have redesigned the traditional school buildings into a new model, taking steps to make hallways transparent, circulation smooth, age groups distinct, and administrators omnipresent. In the process, they have created a brand that is high tech and polished on a frugal budget. Charting the Course Charter schools are part of the public education system, but they are privately run and can receive private fund- ing. Mastery leases a school building from the Philadelphia School District and renovates it to meet their model. Spread out over the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Mastery’s ap- proach to student achievement is optimistic and firm: “We face reality, communicate honestly and respectfully, and hold each other accountable.” Its motto, “Excellence. No Excuses,” per- tains to everyone working and learning inside the network. Mastery’s conversions have ranged from complete build-
When copper tube manufacturer Cambridge-Lee Industries decided to expand operations, they chose to build a new plant in Greater Reading. More than just an affordable, strategic location in southeastern Pennsylvania, Greater Reading gave them access to a skilled workforce, a choice of excellent properties, and a well-connected business community that streamlined the approval process—so they could break ground months ahead of schedule. Discover greater possibilities. Visit GreaterReading.com.
GreaterReading.com U (610)376.4237 Be something greater.
Pickett exterior
ing renovations and additions to small scope painting and beautification summer projects. Mastery and Blackney Hayes Architects have collaborated on nearly all of its Philadelphia schools, including the Mann, Harrity, Pickett, Smedley and Clymer elementary schools; the Cleveland elementary / middle school; the Lenfest and Shoe- maker middle / high schools; and the Gratz and Thomas high schools. All of the projects were renovations of existing buildings originally constructed between the 1920s and 60s. The design approach always involves open community spac- es and corridors, increasing natural daylight, circulation patterns through the school, treatment of reception areas, bright colors and finishes, establishing sight lines and eliminating blind corners for visual continuity. Visitors know that they are in a Mastery school from the moment they walk through the front door. The goal has always been to create a learning environment that allows students, teachers and administrators to operate at their full potential. Small changes, big results In some cases, simple solu-
tions cause a tipping point. The Thomas School was origi- nally an existing middle school renovated into a 70,000 s/f high school. By adding a central circulation space, exterior en- trance plaza and new lighting, a sense of place and community was created. When students feel ownership and pride, the incidence of graffiti and other vandalism drops. At the Gratz High School, separate entrances are demar- cated for certain age groups and they are located on separate floors as well. A main design solution required envisioning how these different groups of students would circulate, how they would travel to the cafete- ria and gym without crossing into other age group’s spaces. Hallway bullying incidents were dramatically reduced just by redirecting circulation patterns. At the Shoemaker School, ad- ditional administration space was captured by expanding into the existing auditorium, centrally located directly across the hall from the main en- trance. Distributing adults’ offices throughout the halls al- lows staff to work while keeping continued on page 15B
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