Richard H. Hungerford School

Design team
Hany Y. Salib AIA, NCARB (President/CEO | Principal-in-Charge); Timothy Margolin AIA, NCARB, LEED BD + C (Principal | Project Manager); Victor Rodriguez AIA, NCARB (Senior Associate | Director of Design)

The Hungerford School in Staten Island is a groundbreaking institution designed by DRG Architects and the New York City School Construction Authority. It provides a safe, nurturing environment for 456 students ages 14 to 21 who have diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

The school’s program reflects a curriculum that emphasizes vocational studies and life skills development. Specialized learning spaces included are a teaching kitchen, life skills room, mixed media room, communal cafeteria and accessible playground to promote socialization, and physical therapy rooms.

One fundamental challenge was ensuring efficient circulation. The school features three high-capacity double-door elevators and expansive hallways with handrails to address this. Additional accessibility features include lower windowsills for wheelchair users, hearing loops in classrooms for those who are hard of hearing, non-flickering indirect lighting, non-reflective surfaces, and noise reduction measures to prevent overstimulation. The covered bus zone was designed to accommodate 10 buses simultaneously, making pickup and drop-off convenient for students and aides.

The Hungerford School is committed to preparing its students for life beyond their academic studies and sets the standard for special-needs educational facilities.

Additional Information

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