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St. Mark's School
East Gallery

This modest addition to the Main Building—the heart of the St. Mark's community—makes cross-campus circulation safe, inspiring, and accessible for all.

Supporting a new “center of gravity”

The construction of the new Patterson-Sculley residence hall at the southeast corner of the St. Mark’s campus dramatically shifted cross-campus circulation. Students making their way between the new residence hall and campus dining would have to traverse significant grade change. The most direct route would take them through the Main Building—but this route meant navigating an inaccessible staircase.

When complete, the new residence hall (southeast) would shift the center of gravity and create new cross-campus circulation patterns.
This existing stair was located at the new center of cross-campus circulation (red dot on campus plan, left).
This is a daring addition to a treasured building, liberated by its miniscule size to exert maximum muscle. Headshot of Zsuzsanna Gaspar with gray background
Zsuzsanna Gaspar Principal

Respecting Architectural Legacy

The project aspired to ‘crack a tough nut’ with the simplest of means, formally and financially. The addition’s modest, low proportions—but modern glazing, lighting, and detailing—make a respectful addition to the Tudor style of the campus.

Circulation and reflection

Vertical glazing at the corner of the addition pries open the box to mark the new entry to the Main Building. Inside, visitors are greeted by a wide staircase and an elevator, both leading up to the building’s first floor. A light-filled alcove showcasing a rotating exhibit offers a place for pause during the sometimes hectic comings and goings of daily student life.

Floor-to-ceiling glass floods the interior with natural light.

Guided by natural light

Moving from the west side of the Main Building, natural light from the East Gallery entrance guides circulation. Student artwork flanks this new pathway through the building: a place of pride for bourgeoning artists. The result is a safe, memorable, and inclusive path, a more unified campus, and a strengthened sense of community.

The gallery experience extends from the East Gallery through the Main Building, showcasing student work.
Project impact
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    Vertical circulation path (elevator and stairs), providing equitable access for all

This is a transformative and bold project within the context of our much larger residential life initiative. It is a beautiful entrance to the School that fits within the context of our historic architecture and tradition.
Alys Reynders ScottSt. Mark’s Trustee

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Project Team

A.T. Leonard & Associates

Collaborative Lighting, LLC

Richard D. Kimball Company

RSE Associates

Whitman & Bingham Associates

Windover Construction

Photography

Ganesh Ramachandran

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