PROFESSOR MATTHEW BELL
HONORED BY AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS FOR SCHOOL WITHOUT WALLS PROJECT

EE&K Architects team receives Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design

Professor Matthew Bell and his team at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects have received a 2010 Merit Award in Historic Resources / Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design from the American Institute of Architects, DC Chapter.

The award recognizes the innovative architectural contribution that The School Without Walls Senior High School makes to the fabric of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood in Washington, DC. The project was one of four identified for "successfully navigating the difficult challenge" of adding to and modernizing a historic structure, and has been certified LEED Gold.

"Our vision was to revive the beauty of a classic historic building while adding the value and accessibility of more modern and sustainable resources," said Professor Bell, who served as design principal. "Our team is honored to be recognized by AIA-DC for the School Without Walls renovation."

At the heart of the project the team transformed the existing 19th century building, which, said Bell, "was to the point of crumbling", back to its original integrity while incorporating sustainable architectural elements. This included replacing 95% of the windows, floors and walls as well as modernizing key infrastructure elements such as mechanical systems, lighting and acoustics. The L-shaped addition doubles the school's useful space and provides resources to the students and larger community that the original building could not, including a media center, art and science labs, additional bathrooms and an elevator.

Also participating on the winning project team were three UMD MARCH grads: Abigail Cronin, Leonardo Varone, and Hendra Halim.

"With its unique partnership with George Washington University, ‘WALLS' prides itself on enhancing the high school experience with greater education accessibility," continued Bell. "The finished renovation provides an environment to support and foster unique academic opportunities."

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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