Page 5 - Presidio Hill School 2015-16 Annual Report

With 233
Maple Street’s
yard border- ing the lower
yards of our Washington Street
site, we have a centrally located gathering point, or
commons, between the build- ings for our entire community.
The addition of 233 Maple Street has increased the number, size, and exi- bility of classrooms, specialty classes, meeting rooms, and office space. The percentage of indoor space increased by 47%, while the outdoor play area has increased by 52%. This expansion enriches the hands-on, move-around- the-classroom progressive education experience so highly valued by our faculty and students, and we are ex- cited to see how we all can teach and learn on the campus of the new PHS.
47%
Total campus square footage increase
30%
Total square footage increase
of special spaces—Art, Library, Maker Lab, etc.
25%
Total square footage increase
per student
“You get the best from students when the learning environment is nearly
as expansive as their imaginations.”
—Scott Duyan, Head of School
Toby Morris, PHS alumnus and architect for the Maple Street expansion, talks to us about some of the design inspiration for Maple Street.
When you were thinking about the kind of space that best suits PHS students and faculty, what key elements came to mind? How were they reflected in the design? PHS needs space that suits its operations and mission. That's pretty sim- ple. Spaces should be scaled to the use and be comfortable and well lit. Beyond that is the feel of the place and how that works with the feel of PHS as a commu- nity. That is where 233 Maple as a grand old home is so well suited as an addition to the campus. We strived to maintain the feel of the building as a welcoming home, and I think we achieved that.
You’ve been a student, alumnus, parent, and Board member. What draws you and your family to PHS? All these associations are important. I feel I have been nurtured by this institution and it has nurtured my family and children. For my daughter, PHS is the gold standard for schools. It is a place of learning and delight, blended in
a way that is unique. As a parent and later Board member at PHS, I became impas- sioned by the people I have worked with to improve this little school. Having the opportunity to bring 233 Maple to fruition as a meaningful addition to the school has been a pleasure and source of pride.
What is your favorite space in 233 Maple Street? I love the entry to the home that is now a play/break out space for TK and K. It has the original feel of wood paneling and an ornamental wooden staircase, along with the grand/oversized wrought iron and glazed entry door. Nonetheless,
I believe the best is still to come: the outdoor lower school commons between 3839 Washington Street and 233 Maple Street will re-establish the outdoor heart of the school. When I was a child at PHS it had many French doors spilling out to the playground. It truly was Presidio Open Air School. I feel the inclusion of 233 Maple and the enlarged play yard that comes with it will do much to foster community.