Integrating Chapel & Black Box Theater: Oak Knoll School's Harmonious Campus Design

In December 2010, the Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit considered an exciting addition to its campus - a new Performing Arts component in the form of a Black Box Theatre. The school also wanted to incorporate a Campus Chapel into the design. The challenge was to find a suitable location within the campus that wouldn't disrupt the visual and physical connection to the rest of the campus. The Solutions Team, a renowned architectural studio, was entrusted with this task.

To ensure that the new building design harmonized with its surroundings, it was crucial to understand the existing facilities and their architectural characteristics. The type of building, whether it be a Gymnasium, Classroom, or Chapel/Theater, played a significant role in determining how much attention the new building's architecture should draw in the campus setting. The Solutions Team carefully analyzed the site and existing facilities to develop an appropriate architectural vocabulary for the proposed new building.

Initially, the team planned to create a linear connection between the Lower and Upper Schools, but they realized that this would create a "wall" effect and disrupt the visual and physical connection to Grace Hall. Instead, they proposed an alternative solution. By constructing an enclosed corridor along the southeast side of Connelly Hall, they were able to maintain a connection to the building and campus. The proposed building was shifted towards Tisdall Hall, adjacent to the outside wall of the Dining hall at Connelly Hall. This adjustment not only eliminated the risk of closing off the site but also offered additional benefits, such as the creation of a connector and a safe courtyard.

The new design also addressed longstanding concerns about drop-off and pick-up areas. A new covered structure was included to serve the Theater and Chapel Lobby, as well as Bonaventura Hall. Entry points were strategically located to accommodate students coming from Grace Hall and the Dining Hall. A vertical architectural element at the northeast end served as a focal point in the newly created corridor or New Student Gallery/ Commons Area. Furthermore, the removal of the paved area between Connelly and Bonaventura Halls made space for a "student green" and potential play areas that could also be utilized by the Theater and Chapel.

In conclusion, the Solutions Team successfully tackled the challenge of integrating a Black Box Theater and a Campus Chapel into the Oak Knoll School campus. Their thoughtful analysis of the existing facilities and site led to a design that not only blended well with its surroundings but also enhanced the visual and physical connections within the campus. The proposed building's strategic placement and additional amenities provided multiple benefits, including improved drop-off and pick-up areas and the creation of open spaces for students. This architectural concept brought the Oak Knoll School closer to its goal of expanding its Performing Arts offerings while respecting the existing campus environment.

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