Monsignor Farrell High School, Brother Henry S. Wright Learning Commons

The existing library had remained essentially unchanged for decades, and the time had come to bring the library into the 21st century. Monsignor Farrell High School is a Staten Island icon in both the world of education and architecture; the building is an excellent example of mid-century modern school architecture, designed by Charles Luckman. The objective of the project was to attract new students and to serve existing students and faculty better by providing a forward-looking, state-of-the-art learning commons that will provide the latest in technology. The space will have a modern design that is of its time, yet will be timeless like the rest of the building.
The idea for the floor plan started with a suggestion for metal and glass seminar rooms. With this direction, the architects had to figure out how to organize the rest of the space and how to give it the flexibility that modern high school libraries require. The plan was organized on a diagonal; the diagonals became curves inscribed in the ceiling, which became an organizational element of the space.

Operable walls were specified; these walls can form two seminar rooms, one room, or the entire space can be opened up for larger events and teleconferences. The project was a step in the greening of the building; all materials and products used were sustainable.

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