High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture

Ozone Park, New York

Firm

STV Architects

Client

New York City School Construction Authority

Area

150,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$44,500,000

Completion Date

08/2006

As part of a program to minimize crowding in New York City public schools, the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) decided to create the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Ozone Park, N.Y.
This facility provides 1,075 students with a new learning environment, as well as the opportunity to participate in a curriculum that focuses on different aspects of the building industry. The design of the structure, including the use of various colors and building materials, presents a strong artistic statement emphasizing architectural and urban design.
The architects planned each of the building’s multicolored elevations to signify a different school function: the L-shaped red-brick volume contains classrooms and offices; the grey corrugated-metal section encloses CADD and mechanical drafting labs; a gray-striped precast concrete volume houses the auditorium; and a yellow insulated-metal-panel volume contains the library.
The heart of the building is the two-story lobby that is defined by the intersection of all the different volume materials, and provides a flexible space for the display of student drawings and construction projects. Through the facility’s unique design and construction, this school building becomes a teaching tool and demonstrates the career options available in the architectural and engineering industries.