Page 43 - 256149_ArchDC_Winter 2021

cast-off furniture and trash, were reclaimed as art
and maker spaces.
“Respecting the architecture was essential for
us,” said Rankin. She noted that the large auditorium
that had a central location in the historic building was
poorly renovated as part of the 1960s makeover. A drop
ceiling with unsightly ventilation diffusers obscured
and extensively damaged the original plaster ceiling,
and the finishes created a dark interior space. Her
team removed the drop ceiling and carefully restored
the plaster, re-created historic lighting fixtures, and
refinished the woodwork and architectural detailing
throughout. On the exterior, new but historically
appropriate windows and thoroughly cleaned masonry
have helped to return the historic building to its
former grandeur.
Eliot-Hine offers the prestigious International
Baccalaureate (IB) program, a distinguishing element
of the curriculum that became the central graphic
theme in the modernized school. “The IB is a big part
of the school’s identity,” said the architect. “They
really wanted to build on that as a way of encouraging
students’ global outlook and respect for different
cultures, traditions, and the environment.” The
design team created an integrated way-finding system

Cafeteria before renovation. Courtesy of Perkins
Eastman Architects

New cafeteria. Photo © Jeff Allen—Turner Construction
Photo © Jeff Allen—Turner Construction

CIVICS LESSON 41