JRS Architect project earns outstanding design honors

JRS Architect, P.C., earned its place among the top designers of interior educational space, according to American School & University. The publication recently announced its 2011 Educational Interiors Showcase, an annual competition honoring design excellence and work that builds effective learning environments in America. JRS won in the category Outstanding Design in Common Areas for its work at The Mandell School, a 71-year-old independent school in New York City. "We've completed many projects with The Mandell School," said Alexander Hadjiyane, AIA, senior vice president and principal responsible for these projects.. "We've been successful there because we've incorporated design and architecture into the very learning environment." This award, one of many recognizing JRS, reflects its work on a 4,100 s/f common area in the school. The space includes environmentally friendly construction choices, unique designs and thoughtful use of the space. "The space works well because we took the time to understand the school's needs, community and principles," said Hadjiyane. Using its principle-driven design approach, JRS has designed, built or refurbished much of the school during the past few years. JRS helped the school in 2010, when it finished work on a 10,000 s/f facility that complements the 50,000 s/f main school building JRS developed. Throughout the buildings, heating ducts, wiring, plumbing and other construction elements are exposed. Teachers can use the construction elements to teach about mechanics behind the environment. The study hall area, known as The Swamp, has plugs in the floor so students can charge laptops and Ipads. Everything was viewed with a child-centric perspective. That means teachers can turn just about anywhere in the building to start a lesson about sustainability and good citizenship. American School & University had a jury of American Institute of Architects members and education administrators evaluate designs in 25 categories. Judging was based on safety/security, sustainability, mission and purpose, balance, connection to community, functionality/flexibility, technology and innovation. "When you look at the criteria, you can see how our approach reflects the needs of the education community. These are values we have focused on for 25 years," said John Sorrenti, FAIA president and who founded the firm in 1986.