Located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the existing building’s cold morose exterior stands in striking contrast to the lively energy and warmth of the activities within, including two HeadStart programs, a Parent Child Center (PCC), and EvenStart program (for young parents). The lack of natural light and views and the narrow corridors and low ceilings make the interior extremely disorienting and claustrophobic. In renovating the building, the Client desired that the separate programs of the facility feel connected as parts of an integrated whole engaging the site, and that the image of the building conveys a sense of welcoming, openness, and freedom while maintaining security and super visibility. A clear and open plan of circulation, increased natural light, and a nontraditional shape for classrooms were high priorities.

A new curved spine connects front and rear entries and widens at the central corridor to become a skylit atrium from which all areas of the facility are visible. The atrium acts as the unifying “heart” of the renovated building, with HeadStart classrooms and administrative areas on the first and second floors, and PCC, EvenStart, and a community room at the lower level gathered around it.

As they form a “fan” around the atrium, the trapezoidal classrooms protrude in a rhythm with the structural wall of the building in a composition of colored stucco, glass, and concrete block. Facing Geneva Avenue, the main entry is marked by a new stair tower topped by an observation deck, with a new curved ramp and terrace that welcome the visitor with open arms. Reorganization of the site groups the parking at the rear of the building, and enlivens the remainder of the site with plantings and increased outdoor play.

Hand renderings by Mathew Schiffer. Models by William Sweet. Computer generated drawings by Neoscape, Inc.