Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship

The Frederick Gunn School

A project won by Sasaki through an RFP by The Frederick Gunn School. All work presented below is owned by Sasaki and is shown for representation of individual and collaborative work.

The CIAC’s design is based on The Frederick Gunn School’s motto “nature as an educator”. Through exposed systems, local materials, sustainable design, and direct relation between exterior and interior, the CIAC provides a high quality space for students to learn in and from.

The site was occupied by the previous Math and Science Building whose brutalist design was an ode to the boulders that surrounded it. Although it succeeded in blending with the landscape as one large boulder, the school felt the study experience was conflicting with its motto and wished for a lighter, open, and contextual design.

Site Plan, existing building outlined

New Construction Design Proposal

As part of the schematic design process, the approach to renovate the existing building was evaluated from a cost and sustainability standpoint, as well as partial renovation / new construction. Ultimately, we determined that a new construction would be the most effective solution in terms of cost, sustainability, and greater impact.

The new building's form is based on the most sustainable orientation as well as connectivity with the site. Breaking it into three pavilions allowed for the public and flexible program to be contained at the front, the private and fixed program towards the back, and a hybrid in the middle. Each one connected by an active spine. (Final program layout shown in the next plans)

The ground level's main attribute is its direct access to the exterior. There are entry points on all sides of the building, as well as large windows and glazing in every study area allowing the views of the main lawn, boulders and meandering tree trunks to filter inside. Becoming a blended indoor/outdoor experience.

The second level delights in the high pitched roof ceilings with large windows and glazing. The height, the views of tree canopies, and the wood plank ceilings, transforms the experience of teaching and studying on this floor as almost being in a tree house within the tree canopies.

The final construction documents were a result of regular check-ins with stakeholders ensuring each space was designed to fit the lifestyle and needs of students and faculty. From specialty equipment and efficient storage spaces to millwork pieces, the CIAC exists only for this context.

Stemming from “nature” as the ruling element, the material palette was created to emulate the exterior, reinforcing that relationship and further blurring that interior/exterior line with accents of color from the school’s brand.