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Design tweaks reduce paving, remove bridges and refine cafeteria and learning-stair details
Summary
DRA presented design-development updates for the new school: the revised site reduces impervious area, removes proposed bridges, alters cafeteria structure to steel framing for sight lines and refines a learning stair with integrated wheelchair spaces. Geotechnical and wetlands surveys were also scheduled.
DRA presented design-development updates that pared back paving, eliminated proposed bridges and refined interior elements including the cafeteria platform and a learning stair with integrated wheelchair positions.
Designers said the revised site layout, which is made possible by the Fano Drive land swap, lowers the amount of impervious pavement and avoids constructing new wetland crossings. That change removes the project from a state environmental-permitting threshold the team had previously exceeded and reduces project cost, the designers said.
In the cafeteria and dining area, designers recommended changing timber columns to a steel frame to clear sight lines for performances. DRA said the change would preserve warm interior finishes (wood ceiling elements) while improving uninterrupted sight lines and adding frontend risers to the performance area. The platform height was discussed; presenters said risers and the platform would be roughly 30 inches above floor level.
Designers also presented a “learning stair”: a rounded stepped seating and circulation element with companion seating and integrated wheelchair positions to allow people using wheelchairs to sit shoulder to shoulder with other attendees. The team said risers can be collapsed and stored, but storage below a 30-inch-high riser is limited for practical and fire-protection reasons.
Project staff noted geotechnical (borings) and wetlands-survey work is planned. DRA’s reimbursable proposal includes test pits, laboratory testing and report work (geotechnical allowance approximately $55,000 plus standard 10% markup) to support foundation and stormwater design; project staff said these reimbursables fall within existing contract allowances and do not require additional committee vote for execution.
Committee members asked for an orientation/briefing session for newer committee members to review prior decisions and materials in a non-quorum format; staff said they would schedule a prep session and circulate materials in a shared location.
