Planning Rationale
The Art Suite shall include a 2D/3D Art Classroom, a Kiln Room, and an Art Storage Room. The classroom 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 room shall be immediately accessible from the art classroom. The Kiln Room shall be in direct proximity of the Art Classroom.
Design Considerations
Location
Locate on the upper floor as this placement is advantageous for venting the kiln directly through the roof. Ideally, art classroom is 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 3.1.1 Grades 1-8 Classroom for additional requirements.
Display/Gallery
2D and 3D display for student work should be provided both within and outside the classroom. Provide mobile display racks within the classroom and infrastructure for digital monitors to display work in the corridor outside the classroom. If designated gallery space is not provided elsewhere in the building, the area immediately outside of the art classroom shall be designated for display and gallery space.
Kiln Rooms
Elementary school kiln room shall have provisions for a medium kiln. The 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.
Storage
Space within the classroom is necessary for student projects as well as supplies. The storage room shall be accessible from within the art classroom. Special consideration shall be made for exhaust of the Kiln and the Art Storage Room due to equipment, paints and other chemicals that are stored in the room.