METAMORPHOSIS

MIDDLE SCHOOL IN RED HOOK, BROOKLYN

Red Hook has been designated as a “high-risk” area for flooding, making it susceptible to severe impacts over the next three decades. To address this concern, Metamorphosis proposes a transformative middle school concept, providing an educational and experimental space for children while incorporating flood damage mitigation strategies.

The project’s design and plans were conceived through a series of collage studies, culminating in a final collage that served as the architectural blueprint.

The spatial organization centers around three separate areas at the extremities of the building: recreational, educational, and administrative spaces. In a strategic move, the structure is elevated above ground level, ensuring protection from potential flooding and minimizing damage in the event of a flood.

The entrance is located on the second floor, surrounded by a ramp encircling a water basin designed to collect rainwater during wet seasons or serve as a recreational and playground area during drier periods. This innovative approach not only addresses flood risks but also provides a dynamic and engaging environment for students and faculty alike.