Client: MacDowell Montessori School Location: Milwaukee, WI Completion Date: 2008
In-kind Services:
Design, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Construction Documents,
Construction Administration
Description: This project establishes a welcoming new entrance vestibule to a
1960s-era school building in a diverse Milwaukee neighborhood.
The building originally had a non-descript entry that offered little
protection from the weather
as students waited for the bus. GLOthink worked with the school’s
Project Board and principal to develop several concepts through a series
of design charettes. The Project Board then selected a final concept,
which GLOthink further refined to meet budgetary and school system
criteria. A concrete column with ceramic-tile insets supports an angular
canopy finished in Glulam wood decking, metal flashing and exposed
hardware. Pull-out storefront doors and a “lantern” on the top of the
structural column further reinforce the entrance’s visual prominence.
The functional vestibule inside includes a tack-board wall for school
messages and student group presentations.
Students participated in a grand opening ceremony with a welcoming
presentation and a “thank you” skit. The students further engaged in the
final design via an arts program to design the ceramic tiles decorating
the column’s four sides.
Additional Photographs:
All photos on this page
provided by John J. Korom Photography
