Schulgarten in Brooklyn

Schulgarten in Brooklyn

© Lesley Unruh

School Maple Street, located in the rapidly developing area of Brooklyn Prospect-Lefort-Gardens, USA, received a new building designed by architects from two studios — 4|MATIV and BFDO Architects.

The layout includes four interconnected zones: a multi-purpose room and three classrooms. The school's practice, based on daily group gatherings and focused on developing social skills and forming healthy eating habits, inspired architects to create a kitchen in the center of the multi-purpose room. Its flexible design features open and closed zones, allowing various forms of children's activities to take place within it.

Classrooms are connected through wide openings with wooden sliding doors. This provides spatial flexibility that can be adapted for larger school events when needed.

A warm and bright palette, including maple wood and white walls, creates simple surfaces that serve as a backdrop for children's artwork. The wooden panel at the entrance is a cheerful mosaic made of colorful pieces that young children can rearrange as they please.

Photos: Lesley Unruh