PS 468x is a new primary school located in the High Bridge neighborhood of the Bronx which is comprised of five (5) stories and 68,000 sf.

The building program includes 21 student classrooms and specialized instruction rooms such as, science, art, and music classrooms. Large spaces that encourage community engagement include a full-service cafeteria and kitchen, a multi-purpose room that serves dual functions as a Gymnasium and Auditorium, a library, and an exercise room. The design approach integrates the initiatives established by the NYC Department of City Planning for the Jerome Corridor Special Zoning District. Using a rich materials palette influenced by patinaed copper, limestone, and concrete, the design pays homage to historic learning institutions within the vicinity of the site.

The design challenges include a significantly sloping site and maintaining planning efficiencies necessary to adhere to the budget. A decision to panelize the façade reduced the duration of the anticipated construction schedule.

An Integrated Design Process was employed, and BIM was used among all design disciplines to ensure document coordination. Energy modeling was used to analyze the optimal building orientation relative to potential energy use as part of the project’s compliance with NYC 2019 Green Schools Guide. Analysis from the modeling also informed the selection of building envelope components.