KIPP Academy Collegiate High School

KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate has a new home for their growing academic program. A 100-year old former warehouse building has been converted into a new modern-day High School for grades 9-12.

The existing building footprint created an interesting design challenge for the Arrowstreet team. A square floor plate required a unique approach to designing a 21st century learning environment as the traditional layout of classrooms on either side of a double loaded corridor would not be possible. The team was ultimately able to use this “square” layout to the school’s advantage when programming the space – each floor includes breakout spaces for adjacent classrooms and separate seminar spaces for larger groups.

A centrally located large open stair connects all four floors. Immediately adjacent to the open spaces located on each floor, open views of hallways create a sense of connection between different departments. Shared spaces include a Gallery on Level 1, supporting the adjacent Arts, Music, Theater and Dance classrooms; an open library on Level 2, Student Hub on Level 3, and large Seminar room on Level 4.

On the exterior, the existing loading dock has been transformed into a new multilevel Dining Commons, highlighted by a glass storefront overlooking the street. Located on a tight urban site, the building’s perimeter includes new street trees, repaved parking lot, and new signage and graphics. This adaptive reuse project also includes repair and repointing of the existing brick façade as well as new windows and upgraded internal fire alarm, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Using KIPP’s bold color palette and visual identity elements, the Graphics Studio developed floor-to-ceiling wall graphics with messaging that reinforces each level’s programming and uses KIPP’s acronym message, “Knowledge is Power,” as inspiration to KIPPsters in the cafeteria.