Lew Wallace ES is a unique Urban School Site in Downtown Albuquerque. The original school building, on the National Historic Register, is the first NM PWA building.
The new contemporary design respects the historic elements of the original design and ties the new additions to the original building through a bridge that preserves the historic integrity of the original classroom building. Wright and Hammer Architects maintains a philosophical commitment to creating effective spaces, rather than monumental structures. The Lew Wallace Elementary School project is one example of the success of this philosophy. A book suspended over the storytelling area was constructed from inexpensive masonite, and wood ribs, creating a hollow, light-weight yet dramatic effect for insignificant cost. “Greek” entry columns were constructed of off-the-shelf wooden columns, and drywall pediment with site-applied wood dentils. The “Moorish” arch was also constructed of off-the-shelf wooden columns, and a plywood and drywall arch with painted features. These historic references, so appropriate for a student library, resulted in insignificant cost increase for significant educational gain and imaginative experience. The new Mini-Gym, Library, Computer Lab, Cafeteria, and bridge connection were designed as a single building that could be constructed in 2 phases to accommodate construction over multiple APS Municipal Bond cycles. |
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