Life Long Learning

A school at the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Brooklyn, USA Teamwork: Akua Appiah-Adu + Boseol Seo Professors: Dana Getman + Steven Garcia

A school at Cobble Hill

SITE CONTEXT

This project reimagines the school as a civic landscape where learning extends beyond the classroom and into everyday life. Situated on the waterfront, it creates a mixed-use environment of educational, residential, commercial, and community spaces that foster intergenerational learning, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The concept was shaped by a visit to Cobble Hill, where we observed children playing behind perimeter fences. While necessary for safety, these barriers prompted us to question how schools often become isolated from the communities they serve. In response, the project explores a more open and connected model, where learning is woven into public life rather than confined within walls.

By integrating shared civic spaces with a resilient waterfront landscape, the design transforms education into a lifelong dialogue between people, community, and place.

Bridging the Gap through Education

School District 15- Current School Status
The racial makeup of middle school students in District 15
School Seat Needs & Capacity Projects

WHAT MAKES THIS WATERFRONT SCHOOL DIFFERENT

In the Water
Immerse

Swimming lessons for kids

Under the Water
Nurture

Smaller scale for kids

Above the Water
Observe

Waterfront Library

Swimming

Professional Diving- Harbour School

Aquaponics

Higher scale for the community

Library + Lab

Water Quality Testing Lab

Here, creativity meets opportunity.

On the Water
Create
Making space

Kids boat making

Cycle the Water
Engage

Interacting with water table

Higher level of woodwork

Water Reuse System

Water Recycling System for Building

CONCEPT

COURTYARD

Create- Makerspace

Observe- Library, Lab

Nurture- Aquaponics

Engage- Water Simulation

Immerse- Swimming

CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA
FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
BRIDGE

Learn- Science Lab, Art Studio, Music Room

Gather- Cafeteria

Commons- Community Bridge

Motion- Gym

Wellness- Fitness

AXONOMETRIC
COURTYARD FOR RESIDENCE
ENTRANCE OF HOUSING
LARGE WATERCYCLING SYSTEM FOR LEARNING AND PLAYING
NIGHT

During the day, spaces are used for educational purposes and at night, it turns into a civic commons for the community

EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
ELEVATED LEARNING BLOCKS
DAY
NORTHERN VIEW OF CAMPUS
INTEGRATED PROGRAM
SCHOOL AND HOUSING CIRCULATION
MAKERSPACE
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