The Melvoin Academic Learning Center is located on the north western edge of the Belmont Hill School Campus uniquely located between the built and natural environments. The design responds to two contextual conditions; external campus, suburban, New England context, and internal cultural and program requirements. Circulation through the BHS campus happens along a primary pedestrian artery that connects a series open spaces – green, lawns and quads – anchored on the west by the athletic facility and on the east by the Academic quad. Sited at the gateway to the academic quad, the building shelters students from Prospect Street while serving as an activity  destination within the academic quad.

 

Organization of building is rooted in a pedagogical approach of complementary learning experiences, increasing autonomy of students as they grow within the Form system based upon: Structured > Autonomous > Peer Interaction.  These spaces fan from the structured to the informal, creating a parti of diversity and coexistence.  The central forum, flooded with natural light through south facing curtain walls and clearstory lites, encourages student activity to ‘spill’ out into upper and lower patios enhancing the connection between student interaction and learning.

2013 / Belmont, MA / Built Area 21,000 sf / Middle School class room building 

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Shepley Bulfinch