Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Project Details

Project Description

Won in an international design competition in 2013, the LBA -CGS JV and GCS Design Build Team was challenged to transform this aging historic National Landmark through a comprehensive $161m modernization into a top tier facility that will finally match DC's crown jewel School of the Art's nationally renowned reputation. The design finds the balance between restoring and respecting the historic fabric, while creating major new academic and performance venues, expanding the existing complex by 100,000 sf. This 265,000 sf “Arts Machine” design seeks to express and expose what goes on inside, promoting interdepartmental awareness and collaboration, while offering many diverse venues to invite the DC Community in to experience the fruits of its pre-professional programs. The academic and performance environment revolves around a four-story sky-lit atrium, with the new iconic 800-seat Duke Ellington Theater “egg” suspended in the middle as the institution’s metaphoric heart. The historic fabric of the existing original structures were meticulously restored and in many cases replicated new where missing. The original high school classroom spaces were efficiently utilized to accommodate the more conventional Academic curriculum spaces. New construction - expressed in contemporary design and materials to differentiate from original structure - is woven in and around the restored historic buildings with the new middle section and rear addition able to accommodate the large and tall studios, performance and rehearsal spaces that are required for an Arts School of this caliber. Exterior amenities such as the outdoor Entrance Plaza placed at the top of the restored historic front lawn, the Media Center Terrace sheltered under the grand two-story portico and the Education Terrace on the Ellington Theater Roof with its spectacular views across the city, all contribute to its expression of revitalization.