MARYMOUNT SCHOOL OF NEW YORK

The new Marymount School is a LEED Gold-certified building that seamlessly integrates ecology and natural systems into the classroom environment. Emphasizing natural materials and a diverse array of micro-habitats, the landscape fosters exploration and study for both faculty and students. Garden spaces are thoughtfully woven throughout the building, creating moments of connection with nature. Near the grand staircase and within the meditative courtyard, a rain chain and a reflective natural stone vessel with a shallow basin incorporate water as an ephemeral and playful element. Adjacent to the cafeteria and on the roof terraces, flexible outdoor event spaces and productive gardens for students provide opportunities for learning and gathering. A prayer garden on the 6th-floor terrace offers a serene space for reflection. These outdoor spaces double as classrooms and learning labs while also serving as versatile venues for school events.

The meditative courtyard offers a tranquil environment with seating areas that invite exploration and reflection. The space is thoughtfully designed to address the challenges of being on structure and in shade, with a row of shade-tolerant trees, including a mix of deciduous and evergreens, supported by a drop slab and Silva Cell system to ensure sufficient soil volume for healthy growth. A vine-covered wall adds a dynamic, seasonal backdrop to the courtyard.

The rooftop is designed to maximize greenery with a combination of sedum and perennials thriving in shallow soil depths. Carefully placed open viewports frame stunning vistas of the skyline, blending lush planting with panoramic city views.

Location: Manhattan, NY _Size: 15,138 SF _Client: Marymount School of New York _Collaborators: Cookfox Architects _Status: Completed _Year: 2024 _Team: Steven Tupu, Brian Green, Anita Nai-Tzu Cheng, Rebecca Lotka, Maggie Condon, Natalie Khoo, Joe Norman, Meaghan Pierce-Delaney, Chase Mitchell