J.T. Lambert Conceptual Educational Facility

Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Firm

Architectural Studio

Client

East Stroudsburg Area School District

Area

265,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$916,000

Completion Date

11/1998

The East Stroudsburg Area School District analyzed the long-term cost to maintain several relocatable units and realized that after many years of maintenance and rent payments, the units were still needed and the district had no equity in its own property. The architect worked with district administration to develop a program for an alternative building prototype that made financial sense.
After several months of discussion and sketching it was determined that a “technology pavilion” that was an open-learning concept with optional degrees of separation for smaller learning groups was appropriate.
A metal building system was explored for cost purposes. The ribbon windows provide constant feel of daylight, while still maintaining flexibility. Chalkboards, mobile cabinets and equipment can be moved around for whole semesters or individual projects. The project was divided into two separate rooms, one carpeted and the other tiled for science and art carts.
A large classroom with a glass-overhead garage door acts as expansion of the main space to house the entire class in one gathering place.
The metal cladding was well-received by the district. The metal is durable, reasonably priced and holds up to the harsh Pocono winters. For a budget-conscious school district, the metal cladding looks attractive without looking opulent. From the architect’s perspective it seems to meet the proper aesthetic of a technological pavilion for students of a team-learning concept on the side of a hilly, sloping site.