The Center for Discovery offers individuals with significant disabilities and their family; innovative educational,
clinical, social, and living experiences designed to enrich their lives through personal accomplishment and increased
independence. The renovation of this 9,000 SF Classroom Building and creation of a 1,800 Tower; connected the teaching
and living "worlds" for these students. The Site is very steep with all of the Classrooms and teaching facilities
located at the top of the site. The lower portion of the site houses the Hiking Trails, ponds and Living Facilities
for the students. The creation of this Tower, unites these two "worlds" for the students. The innovative living
experiences are opened up to all students through the creation of the circulation tower that provides an elevator
and viewing platform to the world that awaits the students below; now all "worlds" are open to all students.
The renovation and creation of new Classrooms further enhances the innovative educational spaces that are outlined
in the schools Master Plan. Large windows provide a connection from the learning environment inside to the learning
environment outside. The design of the interior spaces also enriches the student's sense of increased independence
through the use of color and openness. The tower provides the vertical circulation connection within the building,
where the bridge provides the horizontal connection between the upper and lower portion of the campus. The tower has
become the iconic image that represents the facility, providing a link for student independence and accomplishment.
Highland Associates was proud to provide Design-Build services for this project located in Harris, New York and to
further enhance this innovative campus.
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