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Collection by Allie Weiss

Building Modern Schools in New York City

Architect Gavin Macrae-Gibson has designed dozens of educational spaces in New York City, from a renovation of the New York Public Library's Astor Hall entrance to PS 313, a new school in Sunnyside, Queens. Macrae-Gibson joined us at Dwell on Design NY to discuss what it means to create a “modern” school in New York. Here, we take a look at a few of his recent projects that have helped shape the city's academic landscape.

Macrae-Gibson's book, The Secret Life of Buildings: An American Mythology for Modern Architecture (MIT Press), tracks the layers of meaning behind a host of modern American buildings. Macrae-Gibson Architects was established in 1982 and has completed over 200 thought-provoking projects in the New York area and beyond.

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The red steel-framed structure is lined with perforated metal panels in a variety of colors.
The red steel-framed structure is lined with perforated metal panels in a variety of colors.
Macrae-Gibson designed a 45,000-square-foot structure to add to PS 196Q's existing 1952 building in Forest Hills, Queens. The new building houses a new cafeteria and play yard deck and space for 644 additional students.
Macrae-Gibson designed a 45,000-square-foot structure to add to PS 196Q's existing 1952 building in Forest Hills, Queens. The new building houses a new cafeteria and play yard deck and space for 644 additional students.
PS 313 is a school in Sunnyside, Queens for 432 kindergarteners through fifth graders that opened in the fall of 2014. Equipped with a central courtyard and rooftop play area, the brick masonry building has attained a green rating from New York City.
PS 313 is a school in Sunnyside, Queens for 432 kindergarteners through fifth graders that opened in the fall of 2014. Equipped with a central courtyard and rooftop play area, the brick masonry building has attained a green rating from New York City.
A classroom in PS 313.
A classroom in PS 313.
Macrae-Gibson designed this competition swimming pool for Truman High School in the Bronx. The space features glazed acoustic concrete block walls and a ceramic mosaic pool and deck.
Macrae-Gibson designed this competition swimming pool for Truman High School in the Bronx. The space features glazed acoustic concrete block walls and a ceramic mosaic pool and deck.