Boston Arts Academy

Boston, Massachusetts

Client

Boston Public Schools

Area

10,280 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$137,000,000

Completion Date

08/2022

Every floor is a stage, and every wall is a gallery—a central tenet of Boston Arts Academy, the city of Boston’s only public high school dedicated to the visual and performing arts.
Situated across from Fenway Park, the new five-story school engages the street edge by bringing visibility of the art, performance, and STEAM programs to the forefront of the urban experience. To achieve the core tenet, art and performance space are integral to interior architecture. The monumental stair doubles as an informal gathering and performance space.

A ramped access point provides accessibility to the lower “stage.” Exposed concrete walls and metal celebrate the tectonics of the building structure, and wood seating and ceiling baffles counterbalance the hard materials with warm tones.
Public art commissioned by the city activates the space above the stair with dynamic visual displays.
Adjacent to the open dining hall, the area is used extensively during lunch hours.
Students are encouraged to perform, whether rehearsing their latest skit or musical ensemble or having fun with karaoke.

Additional Information

Associated Firm

SMMA

Cost per Sq Ft

$893.00

Citation

Bronze Citation

Featured in

2023 Educational Interiors Showcase

Interior category

Common Areas

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