Quincy High School

Quincy, MassachusettsDesign Concept Award

High SchoolSymmes, Maini & McKee Associates

2010 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Quincy High School

Quincy High School

Entry CourtCommunity Environment: Planned for a total of 1,500 students at 330,000 square feet, and constructed in four major phases, Quincy’s new school is organized around four “academies of excellence:” Science and Technology, Humanities, Arts Academy, and a Ninth-Grade Academy to support the transition of students from the City’s six middle schools. The facility’s prime centralized location in downtown Quincy bolsters the school’s role as an important civic and community resource for arts and athletics. The two main public assembly spaces, the gymnasium and theater, are grouped together at the new main entrance of the school for easily accessible community use. The school will open in Fall 2010.

EntryCommunity Environment: The plan organization forms a courtyard off the busy Coddington Street corridor, creates a refuge for students, and provides quiet green space for the cafeteria, media center, and the culinary arts restaurant run by students, serving food to the public.

Program AdjacenciesLearning Environment: Due to the School’s unique academies of excellence structure, there are clear organizational groupings for each academy. Community access is provided to all major public spaces, and the courtyard serves as an organizing element for building users.

New Facade

Historic Facade

Courtyard:•Privacy•Open Air•Refuge in the City

The

ater

Gym

S.T.E.M.Academy

1938 Building

Rotunda Entrance

Main Entrance

Freshman Academy

Fine Arts Academy

Commons

Restaurant

Science WingLearning Environment: Students can now access a spectrum of collegiate-focused academic classes and hands-on, state-of-the-art project-based lab and shops. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs erase the barriers between the vocational and standard high school, creating dynamic connections: physics and mathematics; engineering and electrical and plumbing; nursing and biology and chemistry laboratories.

Existing Site PlanPhysical Environment - A significant challenge to the team was to integrate academic programs on a tight urban site that was fully occupied throughout construction. A major protected wetland is directly adjacent to the building, and is within a coastal flood zone requiring careful mitigation. The new building dramatically wraps around the existing 1933 historic high school, with crisp, sympathetic architectural styling and detailing.

Rotunda SectionPhysical Environment - Cost effectiveness and community resources: SMMA achieved square footage reductions through program integration and planned future growth. A high-quality and durable materials were used throughout. A energy- efficient strategies were employed to exceed minimum code requirements.Sustainable features of the design: Materials are high-quality and durable. Energy-efficient strategies exceed minimum code requirements. Sustainable “garden” and greenhouse connect to the science academy with hands-on programming. Maintaining the downtown location close to existing mass transit means no school busing. Daylighting and natural ventilation strategies were applied throughout, along with highly-efficient lighting systems with full nighttime shutoff. The original 1938 High School was retained while demolishing less efficient additions.

EntryPlanning Process: SMMA worked closely with the City’s School Administration and Mayor’s office to insure the highest quality academic and physical plan. The change from a departmentally-organized model – where teachers work in silos of single disciplines – to an academy structure of combined excellence in support of the broader interest of contemporary students was a significant project objective.

Main EntryPlanning Process: SMMA worked with all staff to engender support for the complex changes engendered in the plan, particularly the inclusion of the Ninth Grade Academy, and the complete synthesis of vocational programs and standard academic programs.

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

Fourth Floor Plan

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2010 Project Data

Submitting Firm : Symmes, Maini & McKee AssociatesProject Role Architect/Engineering FirmProject Contact Alex C. Pitkin, AIA, LEED AP Title Principal, Senior Vice PresidentAddress 1000 Massachusetts Ave.City, State or Province, Country Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138Phone 617.547.5400

Joint Partner Firm:Project Role Not ApplicableProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm:Project RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: Gilbane Building CompanyProject Role Construction FirmProject Contact William F. KearneyTitle Senior Project ExecutiveAddress 155 Federal StreetCity, State or Province, Country Boston, Massachusetts 02210Phone 617.478.3300

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2010 Project Details

Project Name  Quincy High School

City  Quincy

State  Massachusetts

District Name  Quincy

Supt/President  Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Superintendent

Occupancy Date  Fall 2010

Grades Housed  9-12

 

Capacity(Students)  1,500

Site Size (acres)  18 acres

Gross Area (sq. ft.)  325,000 sf

Per Occupant(pupil)  217

gross/net please indicate  gross

 

Design and Build?  No

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  $4,320,000

Building Construction:  $110,540,000

Fixed Equipment:  $5,365,620

Other:  $6,274,380

 

Total:  $126,500,000