Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain (Work in Progress)

Las Vegas, Nevada

Firm

kga, Inc.

Client

Alexander Dawson Foundation

Area

73,210 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$21,000,000

Completion Date

08/2000

Planning an inner-city school on a restrictive site offered interesting and complex design issues for the team.
The massing of the school reflects the scale and proportion of the three-story multifamily residences. Hip roofs and projecting bays complement the existing neighborhood vernacular offering a familiar residential scale and pedestrian street-scape. Synthetic stone base, brick veneer body and a metal panel cap allow for a contemporary interpretation of New Bedford’s historic and textile buildings, while assuring a durable, sustainable envelope.
Flexible, multiuse community spaces were designed throughout the project, including a cafetorium, gymnasium and faculty dining/community center. The third-floor library takes advantage of the commanding views of the harbor and the downtown area. After-hours access via the central corridor leaves the remaining school spaces secure.
The main corridor loop organized around a central courtyard provides natural light and ventilation and allows for monitoring of students from two vantage points.

Photographers: ©Julian Clark and ©Ruomei Wang

“Interesting concept for the location…look forward to seeing the actual building.”—1999 jury