Ancona School Auditorium

Within the constraints of an otherwise non-descript box, JGMA has inventively designed an attractive and engaging transformation that provides a constrained space with multi-functional capacity, while reinforcing the identity of a visionary school. Working with a small renovation budget, the Ancona School in Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood had been fighting loud, reverberating acoustics and harsh lighting in their undersized gymnasium. The space is much smaller than any typical gym, being a retrofit holdover from an outdated 1960’s construction. However, it houses many of the school’s primary athletic functions and is the only school space large enough for family gatherings and school performances.

Drawing from the geographical movement of the nearby water’s edge of Lake Michigan and its parallel Lake Shore Drive located just blocks from the school, JGMA’s topographic design undulates over and into the ceiling, covering the surface with acoustic absorption in the school’s identifying sunrise yellow color. While visually impactful, the design also achieved the pragmatic goal of reducing the reverberation time within the space by over half. Constructed of rigid yet light-weight aluminum shells, the acoustic baffles are also strong enough to withstand the impact of volleyball hits on a low 14’ ceiling height. Acoustic sheet foam becomes seamlessly detailed and integrated into a unified architectural element.

The Ancona School is known for fostering creativity and independence in its students and encouraging the joys of learning. Founded on Montessori principles, various types of learning environments are valued to give kids as many opportunities for growth and exploration as possible. JGMA’s design facilitates this, giving new life to a previously frustrated space that is now properly suited to bringing together families and community members to inspire the imagination and dreams of children.