Enrollment in private, catholic schools has been steadily declining over the past 20 years, whereas overall enrollment in private education has remained consistent. In an effort to provide a diverse, innovative education that attracts enrollment, Catholic Memorial dedicated the school to expand its curriculum and provide a set of new classroom types focused on studio based learning that inspires exploration, creativity, and team-based activities.
Maintaining the footprint of the 1950’s building and creating an accessible second floor were key criteria for the school. Therefore, the monastery wing that was being used as administration space was selected for renovation and a mixture of office suites, meeting rooms, and five studio type classrooms were configured within the space. The second floors of the existing classroom wing and monastery wing were separated by a stair, but by removing it, infilling the floor with a ramp, and adding a small elevator addition the classrooms were now accessible across the two wings.
Drawings and Images Courtesy of
MDS / Miller Dyer Spears