Project Type: LEED

Kensington CAPA (Creative & Performing Arts) High School
Philadelphia, PA
Architect: SMP Architects

This project was initiated to address the community’s desire for a smaller, more focused learning environment while at the same time focusing on green design in order to achieve LEED Certification. It was a resounding success on both counts. It was the first public high school in the United States to receive LEED Platinum Certification, the result of careful planning, programming and collaboration with specialized professional services firms like ours. Secondly, the school itself has been received very positively by students, faculty, as well as the local community. Debora Borges-Carrera, Assistant Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia and former Principal of KCAPA perhaps sums it up best: “The design work SMP Architects did for KCAPA and the School District of Philadelphia was transformative. Every classroom has natural light streaming through that creates a calming effect, but most importantly sends the message that KCAPA is a place for learning. All children should have a school like KCAPA.”

Metropolitan Acoustics worked with SMP Architects on a number of different initiatives throughout the design of the interior of the school. We were commissioned to evaluate and troubleshoot acoustical issues in the theater, music, dance, art, broadcast/studio rooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, and classrooms. In order to meet LEED certification, the classrooms and other core learning spaces were required to meet specific reverberation and acoustical isolation guidelines, so our collaboration with the entire team throughout the life cycle of design and construction was of particular importance. We also provided detailed mechanical systems noise and vibration analysis and recommendations which were incorporated into the construction and resulted in a pleasant and serene atmosphere for the students and faculty.

More information about this project can be found here.