Master Klass Academy
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Client: GD Choi
Location: 2011 Lemoine Ave Fort Lee NJ Size: 2,300 SF Year: 2015 |
Services Offered
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Challenge
The project involved transforming an unused commercial office space into a dynamic after-school learning center for students preparing for college entrance exams, such as the SAT. The existing space was highly fragmented, with narrow corridors, multiple turns, and enclosed offices, creating a confined and disconnected environment. The challenge was to re-imagine the layout to foster openness, accessibility, and student engagement, all while maintaining a tight budget and accelerated construction schedule.
Solution
The new design introduces a strong visual axis, running diagonally through the entire space, creating a clear, wide, and direct circulation path that connects all classrooms. This strategic intervention eliminates unnecessary turns and corners, enhancing visibility, accessibility, and flow, making it easier for students to navigate while encouraging interaction during transitions between classes.
All classrooms are placed along the perimeter, maximizing natural daylight and creating an uplifting learning environment. Even interior spaces without direct windows—such as hallways and offices—benefit from borrowed natural light through interior glass windows and doors, ensuring a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout the center.
Value Delivered
This project successfully converted a disjointed, outdated office layout into a modern, engaging, and highly functional learning environment. The proposed efficient spatial planning not only enhances student movement and interaction but also optimizes natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial illumination and fostering a more inviting and productive atmosphere.
Despite the tight budget and aggressive timeline, the project was completed without a single change order, demonstrating precise planning, cost efficiency, and seamless execution. The result is a highly effective and inspiring educational facility that supports student success while maximizing the potential of the existing space.
The project involved transforming an unused commercial office space into a dynamic after-school learning center for students preparing for college entrance exams, such as the SAT. The existing space was highly fragmented, with narrow corridors, multiple turns, and enclosed offices, creating a confined and disconnected environment. The challenge was to re-imagine the layout to foster openness, accessibility, and student engagement, all while maintaining a tight budget and accelerated construction schedule.
Solution
The new design introduces a strong visual axis, running diagonally through the entire space, creating a clear, wide, and direct circulation path that connects all classrooms. This strategic intervention eliminates unnecessary turns and corners, enhancing visibility, accessibility, and flow, making it easier for students to navigate while encouraging interaction during transitions between classes.
All classrooms are placed along the perimeter, maximizing natural daylight and creating an uplifting learning environment. Even interior spaces without direct windows—such as hallways and offices—benefit from borrowed natural light through interior glass windows and doors, ensuring a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout the center.
Value Delivered
This project successfully converted a disjointed, outdated office layout into a modern, engaging, and highly functional learning environment. The proposed efficient spatial planning not only enhances student movement and interaction but also optimizes natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial illumination and fostering a more inviting and productive atmosphere.
Despite the tight budget and aggressive timeline, the project was completed without a single change order, demonstrating precise planning, cost efficiency, and seamless execution. The result is a highly effective and inspiring educational facility that supports student success while maximizing the potential of the existing space.
Before
