January 26, 2024 at noon

Allen Rossignol, AIA

The renovation and new addition needed to solve three key challenges of the original space – entry, circulation, and organization. The architecture needed to address design and scale with a unique approach.

The original entry into the building was elevated from street level and continued directly into a staircase and main hallways, not ideal for controlling visitors nor for accessibility. The school needed an entry that provided security, transparency, and an immediate sense of the school. The solution was a modern glass entry that showcases an ornamental, colorful three-story stairwell. The hub connects the new to the old, with exposed brick from the original building on one end, glass on the other and connects the student population and programs vertically with a statement. The transparency of the entry gives the immediate feeling of a vibrant learning hub, accessible to all.

The rhythmic exterior massing of the addition with the existing building now echoes the internal organization of the school. Gone are the undesirable maze-like corridors, common to older schools with ad-hoc additions. Global organization of circulation flows ensures efficient movement, sight lines, and security, with minimum disruption. This includes the creation of a main circulation hallway.

The program layout was simplified and organized. Distinct building zones organize the school into classrooms, administration & support spaces, and multi-purpose gym & cafeteria areas. School offices were centrally located at the entry. Learning spaces were transformed into modern, high tech learning environments that promote creativity and productivity. With the community in mind, a separate entry into the cafeteria and gym/event spaces offers an invitation to attend events.

While they have only been at their new location a short while, they are already seeing a difference in the community they now call home. The Rochester Police Department told school officials they haveseen a significant decrease in the number of police calls in the immediate area. Higher graduation rates, lower crime. They are indeed “Changing History.”

Owner: Uncommon Schools/Rochester Prep
Contractor: LeFrois Builders & Developers
Civil Engineer: Marathon Engineering
M/E/P Engineer: M/E Engineering
Structural Engineer: Jensen/BRV Engineering
Landscape Architect: McCord Landscape

Interior Design: Design Space Studios
Photographer: Tim Wilkes Photography

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Design Award Winner

Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Building and Sanctuary - Interior Architecture & Design
PLAN Architectural Studio

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located on one of the most significant military sites in New York State’s Finger Lakes Region. On the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, it was initially developed as a World War II Naval Training Station, and later rededicated as a Korean War Era Air Force Basic Training Center. The Cemetery site is located on 162 acres in the southern part of the property. In 2011, Seneca County secured just enough funding to stabilize and renovate the building shell of the base’s original firehouse so that it could serve as the future Cemetery Administration Building and Sanctuary. The interior of the building was mothballed until additional funding could be obtained.

EXTERIOR RENOVATION: With available funding from the County and the State, our firm was commissioned to renovate the exterior shell of the original firehouse. It as completed in 2012. This project enabled the stabilization of the structure. After 8 years, in 2020, the County was able to secure enough funding to complete the project, renovate the interior, and put the building into use to serve the cemetery.

Chris Lopez, AIA

INTERIOR RENOVATION: The building program was established by adhering to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Facilities Guidelines. The original firetruck bays were redesigned as a multi-functional space to serve as a formal entry foyer and an assembly space for interment ceremonies. Also located on the first floor, a reception area, honor guard prep room, restrooms, storage and mechanical spaces were arranged. The building’s hose tower was repurposed as a shaft for a new elevator and carillon system, and the remaining stairwell was restored. The second floor houses the operations center, offices, record storage, and meeting spaces for the cemetery staff.
 

DESIGN: A natural palette of interior materials was selected to complement the building’s exterior, while providing durable surfaces for ease of maintenance and longevity of design. A primary design theme was the use of transparent window walls to strategically separate space, while allowing natural light to fill the interior. The transparency also provides views for the staff out to the surrounding cemetery grounds. The design team worked closely with a local stained-glass studio to develop colorful windows that integrate the US Armed Forces emblems with abstract landscape shapes evocative of the Finger Lakes Region. The custom designs were developed by close collaboration with the artist and the Owner. Specific glass pieces were selected based upon their unique color-profile and depth. The stained-glass windows were integrated with interior storms, and installed in the west-facing openings. This orientation promotes a dramatic permeation of color throughout the ceremonial space in the afternoon.
 

“The hope is that the adaptive reuse of this artifact structure
will provide a peaceful, warm, and restorative space for
future generations to remember their loved ones,
while experiencing the physical memory of the site’s rich history.”

Owner: Seneca County
Contractor: Iverson Construction
Design Architect, Interior Design: PLAN Architectural Studio
Architect of Record & M/E/P Engineer: T.Y. Lin, International
Photographer: Tim Wilkes Photography

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Merit Award Winner

Event Photos