PS 59

Location: New York, USA

Design Director: Raya Ani

Company Name: EEK Architects

Category: Institution

In the dense surroundings of midtown Manhattan, PS 59 houses students from pre-kindergarten through the fifth grade. Its design, however, endeavors to establish a sense of community amidst a busy neighborhood. The sculpted exterior is both strikingly unique and comfortably inviting, making the building a recognizable landmark.

The classrooms are grouped to form neighborhoods of learning, with different classes sharing strategically-located resources. Throughout the school, the design accommodates out-of-classroom education: halls and stairways can be used to display artwork and students’ projects, and each neighborhood has a gathering place for group discussions.

Although administrative offices are concentrated on the third floor, each level has adult spaces to allow positive interaction between the students and adults and to provide subtle security. Additionally, the single secure point of entry to the building maintains a sense of safety for students, teachers, and visitors.