A subversion of unused alleyways commonly found in the Lower East Side, this school proposes three buildings linked by an interstitial recreational area, allowing the vibrancy of the street to spill into the school and allowing school programming such as cafeterias, gyms, meeting spaces, and theaters to open up to the community. Local food markets, street vendors, street performers, food trucks, and more are invited to this redefined alley condition, creating an unprogrammed social condenser even outside of school hours. Built at a human scale, the soft pink brick facade establishes a material connection to surrounding buildings while distinguishing itself as a warm, receptive space for students and neighbors alike. Movable partitions, lightweight and diverse furniture typologies, and adaptable spatial configurations are implemented to provide even the youngest child with the agency to have influence over the spaces they inhabit.
