Andersen United Community School

LSE was asked to develop a Master Plan to re-organize the 288,000 square foot Andersen Community School. Built in the 1960s, it’s brutalist architectural style, lack of windows, daylighting, cold exterior and fragmented interior had a negative impact on student learning, pride, and on community relations. Today the building serves a diverse student population, with a large community of English language learners and recent immigrants to this country. The Master Plan includes providing a new face to the community, with a warm, welcoming, and secured entry into a re-imagined interior, focused around a central gathering space and cafeteria commons, overlooking the adjacent park. The building interior supports 21st century learning and is culturally inspired with the use of texture, color and pattern.