Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Closet, Shelving, Table, ChairLittle Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, WindowsLittle Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior PhotographyLittle Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Facade, HandrailLittle Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - More Images+ 15

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Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail
© Durston Saylor Photography

Text description provided by the architects. In this top-to-bottom transformation, Little Red Elisabeth Irwin (LREI), one of New York City’s leading progressive private schools, doubled its size to offer students a much greater range of programs and updated its image as a vibrant, 21st century center for learning.

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Facade, Handrail
© Durston Saylor Photography

The original 1912 school facility needed a dramatic overhaul to keep pace with changes in teaching and learning, as well as new technology, and to house the projected enrollment. It became apparent that the school had to take bold steps to hold its own.

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Image 16 of 20
Floor Plan

This renovation and 22,000-square-foot addition reoriented LREI from an inward centered institution to one focused outward. The resulting campus-like setting, which includes three outdoor courtyards, lets students anticipate the university life most will move on to. Its energized interior spaces promote a sense of community while also providing private places for individual quiet time and private conversations.

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography
© Durston Saylor Photography

Because LREI is in a landmarked district, all changes occurred without altering the buildings’ street facades. Intended as a single project, once the economy faltered in 2008 the work was spread over four phases with a different financing and fundraising strategy. The project called for community involvement, legal engagement and environmental study, and each phase happened with minimal disruption to the school’s academic calendar.

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Table
© Durston Saylor Photography

The scheme introduced separate ‘pavilions’ devoted to science, the arts, and humanities. Each provide a host of new learning spaces including traditional classrooms, seminar rooms, science labs, an art studio, 3D art space, a media lab, and a music classroom with additional private practice rooms. There is also a student lounge, improved student services, an expanded auditorium and a larger cafeteria. The project introduced full ADA accessibility and provided a facelift for the main lobby, signaling the school’s revitalized identity upon entrance.

Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects - Interior Photography, Windows, Brick, Stairs, Facade, Handrail
© Durston Saylor Photography

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Project location

Address:42 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014, USA

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Little Red Elisabeth Irwin / Andrew Bartle Architects" 11 Jun 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/640169/little-red-elisabeth-irwin-andrew-bartle-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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