Set within a fiercely urban environment, the secondary school at Bethusy mirrors its surroundings, itself a densely woven fabric of disparate building styles punctuated by gardens and wooded voids, all linked by a series of small squares.
MA’s proposal integrates the various existing masses by co-opting interstitial space and the site’s topography, weaving the new buildings through the existing. Adjacent to the gymnasium spaces, the entry ‘spine’ is composed of three main elements: a western plaza for social gathering and outdoor sport exhibition, a restaurant and social condensing space on the eastern end, and a linear gallery linking the two. The multi-level intervention, which also includes a new gym perpendicular to the linear access points and partially embedded in the hillside, simultaneously improves thermal comfort for the entire complex and creates a subtly unifying façade accessible from various levels and linking the north and south ends of the campus. In a nod to its surroundings, the extension also features a roof terrace accessible to the university and community at large, a multi-use breathing space in this dense building complex for socializing or sport in the summer months.
Next Project
LR2 House
LR2 House overlooks Pasadena and its adjacent mountains from its hillside perch. This new 4,200-square-foot house is made up of several distinct living volumes and programs.