Reggio School of the Arts Underway, Designed by Friar Associates -Newfield Construction CM

August 16, 2012

Avon,CT – Construction recently started for the 67,000sf Reggio Magnet School of the Arts in Avon. Designed by Friar Associates inc. of Farmington, this 450-student, pre-kindergarten through grade five school follows the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy.

Avon,CT – Construction recently started for the 67,000sf Reggio Magnet School of the Arts in Avon. Designed by Friar Associates inc. of Farmington, this 450-student, pre-kindergarten through grade five school follows the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy.
The main piazza forms the building’s central design theme. This gathering space acts much like the outdoor, old-world piazzas in Italy. Bringing the outdoor piazza inside allows both small and large gatherings to meet for presentations and other group functions. While also serving as a gallery to display projects and art, the Piazza at Reggio Magnet School of the Arts provides circulation space between the classrooms, gymnasium and cafeteria.
True to the Reggio Emilia tradition, the classroom arrangement creates shared studio spaces – one per every three classrooms. Throughout the school, student projects and art retain importance with display cases, tack boards and interior viewing windows throughout the building.
The two-story structure complies with Connecticut High Performance Building standards. The design team incorporated energy-efficient systems and finish materials with a high recycled content into the building, which assisted in attaining the required 28 points. Construction materials include a structural steel frame with a brick and stone exterior and PVC roof membrane. The brick detailing is reminiscent of old-world brick corbelling and features a low-relief brick sculpture on the front façade.
As The construction manager, Newfield Construction of Hartford is leading the construction effort. This project is scheduled for completion for the 2013/2014 school year at a construction cost of $20 million.
When The school is complete students and staff will enjoy a modern educational facility – one that utilizes building systems, technology and architectural elements that facilitate learning and enhance the educational environment.
Tom DiMauro, Newfield’s project executive, stated, “We are so proud to be underway, helping CREC to attain their vision of providing specialty magnet education to Connecticut’s children. We also look forward to working with the local subcontractor and M/WBE community to deliver this project.”