Françoise Bollack Architects created a vibrant new home for the LGB&T Community Center through the adaptive reuse of a mid-19th century school in the Greenwich Village Historic District. Adjacent to the main schoolbuilding is an 1895 play shed, clad in corrugated iron, with a simple gable roof supported by thin angle iron steel trusses. In 2001, the adaptive reuseof this play shed provided new space for two departments: Mental Health andSocial Services (MHSS) and Youth Enrichment Services (YES).While these departments both occupy the shed space, the program requiredthat a separate reception and waiting area be provided for each. In order tocreate a comfortable environment for the MHSS counselors and their guests,a number of private offices have been placed around the perimeter of the main volume. Larger meeting rooms allow for group meetings and an spacious central area gives open space to the many volunteers who generously contribute to these organizations.The design takes advantage of the texture and age of the existing enclosuresto establish a lively contrast with the new offices. The new offices, whichneed absolute visual and aural privacy, have a view of the open space throughglazed areas above the seven foot line of the doors. Within the larger volumeof the shed, these illuminated glazed areas act as dramatic lanterns.
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