Planning Rationale
The Art Suite shall include a 2D Visual Arts Classroom, a 3D Visual Arts Classroom, a Kiln Room, a Dark Room and two Art Storage Rooms. The classrooms shall allow for a flexible working environment for student projects of varying sizes. Different zones within the classroom shall be created to separate “dry” and “wet” areas. The storage rooms shall be immediately accessible from the art classrooms. The Kiln Room and Dark Room shall be in direct proximity of the Art Classrooms.
Design Considerations
Location
Locate on the upper floor as this placement is advantageous for venting the kiln directly through the roof. Ideally, art classrooms are located on the north side of the building for optimal daylighting.
Classroom Layout
- Seating shall be arranged with shared work tables with stools to accommodate either 2 or 4 students. The student seating shall face the primary teaching wall.
- A teacher’s demonstration station with epoxy resin top table with optional integrated demonstration mirror shall be provided and located in front of the Primary Teaching Wall.
- The Art classroom shall include a classroom sink and a utility sink both with concealed solids interceptors. Drying racks and apron hooks to be located adjacent to sinks.
- Secondary Teaching Wall: 12’-0”-16’-0: linear feet vertical pin up board surface (cork/tack board/fabric) - full height floor base to align with top of door frame. All tack surface not to exceed 10% of wall surface of classroom.
- See 4.1.1 Grades 9-12 Classroom for additional requirements..
Display/Gallery
2D and 3D display for student work should be provided both within and outside the classroom. Provide infrastructure for digital monitors to display work in the corridor outside the classrooms. If designated gallery space is not provided elsewhere in the building, the area immediately outside of the art classrooms shall be designated for display and gallery space.
Kiln Rooms
High school kiln rooms shall have provisions for a large high fire kiln. If budget allows, a low fire kiln can also be included. Each kiln requires heat and/or fume ventilation depending on the kiln room size. Kiln must have 18” clearance on all sides. Coordinate kiln types, utility and venting requirements with the school/CPS. Open shelving for both wet and dry projects shall be provided as well as a lockable storage cabinet for glazing.
Dark Rooms
The dark room is an accessory room used for processing film photography. The Dark Room is located within the Art Classroom Suite, with access from the corridor. The entrance to this space shall have sealed doors and a light lock entry to minimize light intrusion. If the light lock entry is not achievable, the use of curtains may be utilized to prevent light spillage.
The Dark Room shall not have windows. Specialized lighting is required for film development. An indicator shall be located at the entry door from the corridor to note when the Dark Room is in use. Point of use ventilation is required in the Dark Room. Consideration must be made for storage and disposal of chemicals related to film development.
Storage
Space within the classrooms are necessary for student projects as well as supplies. The storage room shall be accessible from within the art classrooms. Special consideration shall be made for exhaust of the kiln and the art storage rooms due to equipment, paints and other chemicals that are stored in the rooms.