KG&D Architects, PC, a full-service Mount Kisco, NY-based architectural firm, is pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture to build towards the future

KG&D Architects, PC, a full-service Mount Kisco, NY-based architectural firm, is pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture to build towards the future. Their creative team of architects, professional engineers and construction inspectors, work with clients to translate their visions into reality. For more than 20 years, KG&D Architects dynamic team has planned and designed sites and buildings that are functional, attractive, cost-effective and sustainable. Some of the most unique designs they’ve recently built are Innovation Labs within local schools.

Each Innovation Lab is tailored specifically to their clients’ needs. However, they generally create or improve spaces to help bring them into the 21st century. Most of these labs are flexible spaces where students can gather in groups of all sizes. The idea behind these labs is to create a technologically rich environment that coincides with the school’s curriculum and promotes interactive learning.

Scarsdale High School’s innovation lab concept was to create a technologically rich environment that facilitates full-class and large-group instruction as well as smaller group work. It is sized so that at least two full-sized classes can meet in the space simultaneously. The space contains a variety of seating arrangements and styles and includes interactive technology, as well as more traditional personal devices. New design lab occupies the area that was once the School’s Auto Shop. The new use is focused on creating a flexible multi-use space that allows students to model, test and physically make products and prototypes to test their own ideas. As a sort of 21st century workshop it contains some areas for group meetings and collaboration, as well as enclosed areas for conventional bench top woodworking tools, a three dimensional printer and laser cutters, and a “wet-lab” suitable for science and a space for an instructor.

Brewster High School’s project involved the renovation of the High School’s current Library into a Library/Innovation Lab that includes small group rooms, a presentation and video area, small group learning spaces, large group learning spaces and a collaboration counter. The large group learning space is very flexible and is able to be broken down into smaller group learning spaces as required. The Innovation Lab features soft seating, “graffiti boards,” charging stations, break out areas, working lounges and different types of collaboration spaces.

Middletown High School’s project was to create an addition and construct alterations to create a learning commons suite within the center of the high school. The new spaces include an Innovation Lab, Digital Labs, Graphic Arts Classroom and a Fabrication Lab to house the school’s PLTW (Project Lead the Way) programming. The programming incorporated into the Innovation Suite design includes: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principal of Engineering, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Digital Electronics and Engineering Design and Development. The 3,000 square foot Innovation Lab will be at the center of the new addition, featuring both large and small group learning spaces, a counter height “genius bar,” computer stations, stepped up seating for presentations, a gallery to display student work and window walls that blur the lines between learning spaces. The 10,000 square foot addition is within an interior courtyard and has a green vegetative roof. Surrounding classrooms were renovated to better accommodate the district’s programming as well as create gallery space for student work and the food service area.

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