Geneva School of Manhattan

The project is conceived as a transformative rooftop extension that redefines the identity of the existing Geneva School of Manhattan while responding carefully to the constraints of the current structure and urban context. Rather than treating the addition as a conventional vertical expansion, the design introduces a light and permeable architectural language that contrasts with the heavier masonry base below. A perforated metal envelope wraps the new gymnasium and mezzanine level, filtering daylight and creating a soft, cloud-like presence above the existing parapet.

This gesture not only reduces the perceived scale of the addition but also establishes a more open and contemporary relationship with the city skyline. The classrooms above are organized as flexible educational spaces with movable partitions, allowing the school to adapt to changing pedagogical and spatial needs over time. Outdoor terraces and planted perimeter zones bring light, air, and nature into the daily experience of the students, creating a learning environment that feels elevated from the density of Manhattan while still connected to it. Structurally, the intervention has been designed to strategically reinforce the existing building only where necessary, maintaining much of the current circulation and minimizing disruption to school operations during construction.

More importantly, the proposal is intended not simply as a standalone addition, but as a prototype for the future transformation of the entire school, establishing an architectural vocabulary that can guide future renovations and create a cohesive long-term vision for the institution.

Architect: Miguel Quismondo, AIA Location: 138 W 90th St, New York, NY Completion Date: Competition Client: Geneva School of Manhattan Team: Juan Carlos Bragado, Ignacio de Siloniz, William Mulvihill Photography: MQ Architecture