Keane Children's Center/CharlestownBoys&Girls Club

Narratives

Architect Narrative

The challenges of this project involved reorganizing an existing building, erected in 1917, to accommodate a contemporary program that addressed their needs, while respecting and preserving the historic nature of the building.

The program uses have evolved with the organization over time, however, the building layout had remained essentially the same. To accommodate an increase in membership and an evolving emphasis on education and the arts, the entire layout needed to be reconfigured.

As an historic building, key elements needed to be preserved, and the building needed to be made accessible at all levels, including the main entry, which was located seven feet above sidewalk grade off of an elevated courtyard.

The challenge of balancing historic preservation with the need to redesign the entire program and layout was resolved by selecting areas or pure restoration, including the main entry and library. These areas were the most historically significant, and offered the greatest opportunity for incorporation of historic elements in to the space.

The redefinition of the path of vertical travel from one end of the building to the other allowed for specific program areas to become destinations at the end of corridors, rather than passageways. Access to the Education Center, including the education room, discovery room and library, was relocated and the connecting corridor, which was lined with glass to allowed light to flow through and also provide supervisory capabilities.

The Education Center itself was redesigned with centrally located office that was aligned with the approaching corridor to provide for supervision of all program areas and the corridor.

The performing arts space and connected music center was located at the ground floor level. The multi-level design was achieved by infilling an abandoned indoor pool. Since it does not have fixed seating, it is a flexible space that can be used for a variety of programs.

The exterior courtyard was also reconfigured to create a handicapped accessible ramp to the main entry. Historic architectural elements, including stone bollards, replica light fixtures, and a replica of the original stone entry plaque, were reintroduced into the courtyard.

The extensive use of interior glazing allows members to see what activities are taking place without having to enter the space, which can be threatening for uncertain individuals. This feature had a dual purpose in that it also enhanced the visibility for staff members.

Noise levels in the recreation areas are controlled by the use of carpeting with a lifetime warranty, using carpet squares that allow for replacement of small sections if necessary. With other facilities suffering from damage to their walls from artwork and notices, tac-wall bulletin boards were placed throughout the new facility.

The renovated facility combines historic and contemporary, “playful” elements that support the program areas, generate excitement, and encourage participation in the different programs. Specific color selections were made to reflect the different program areas. Traditional greens and burgundy were used in the study areas to enhance the historic wood finishes, while vibrant and bold primary colors burst in the arts and gaming areas.

To provide maximum durability, products with lower life-cycle costs were selected, and flexibility was designed into several program areas to allow multiple uses, including specialized padding under the multipurpose room carpet for conversion to dance and martial arts practice areas, and general, rather than task, lighting throughout the facility.

Educator Narrative

Our program is one of the leading youth service providers of after-school programming. We serve youth aged 6-18-years-old with an affordable, comprehensive program of opportunities, including physical education, social recreation, arts, character and leadership development, technology, and education.

Our program space, which serves our 6-12-year-old members, is housed in a facility that was built in 1917. While the building’s history was certainly revered, it was no longer providing an effective and safe program for our members. To ensure that we meet the growing need for school achievement we needed to update our program space to support our mission.

The specific challenges of our previous program and how they were resolved include:

1) Reorganize our disjointed program space: Our limited staff and separate program spaces often required us to close off certain programs since one staff member could not manage several rooms simultaneously. By transforming unutilized program space to accommodate all of our programs, we not only can offer more programs to our members, but we can keep them open all day.

The renovation expanded the Education Center to accommodate the computer room and science room, as well as activity and individual space. While the space is still one room, there is a sense of separation through the use of half-walls and columns.

The renovation of the closed swimming pool into a performance space allowed us to add dance, drama and yoga classes to our program. Vacant locker rooms were turned into a new music room and recording studio. The ceramics room and darkroom, previously in separate rooms, are now adjacent to each other in the art space, which has dramatically increased their usage.

2) Address the traffic problems in our education space that prevented members from moving into the program areas: Previously, our Education Center began literally at the top of a stairway, resulting in members congregating at the top of the stairwell rather than proceeding into the program area.

The design moved the Education Center to the end of the hallway, eliminating the need for staff to monitor traffic. The addition of walls of windows into the space now gives members the opportunity to view the activities taking place and determine whether or not they want to participate.

3) Provide measures for privacy, supervision, and noise control: The addition of windows in staff offices in the program areas allows staff to shut their door and hold private conversations with members and parents, while having the ability to monitor surrounding activities through the windows.

Noise issues in the social recreation space were addressed by reorganizing the space, creating sound absorbers on the walls and ceiling, and carpeting the floors.

4) Managing different age groups in the same space: Previously, we had one broken and barely movable wall partition that was used to divide program space in the Education Center. The room is now deliberately designed to have the opposite feel of a classroom setting. The room is now one open space, however the use of half-walls and columns carves out spaces for the different age groups. In addition, age-appropriate tables, chairs and couches allow 4th-6th graders to feel separated from 1st and 2nd graders. Now, self-directed activity stations and small group activities can happen simultaneously, and supplies and games are separated in an age appropriate fashion.

Needless to say, the kids look forward to spending time here and feel constantly engaged. The staff is pleased to have established an environment where education and school achievement are valued and a culture where learning is fun.