nassau boces long island school for the arts
film and tv studio, winner of top education project award by libn
MDS is proud to complete architectural, engineering and interior design services to the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) Specialty Classroom Renovation. LIHSA is a CTE (Career and Technical Education) program and part of Nassau BOCES’ vast educational offerings to the 56 school districts they serve. MDS completed the reconstruction of over 6,000 SF of classroom spaces that include a Band Room, Choral Room, Multi-Media Room, offices and a state-of-the-art TV & Film Studio Suite.
Many challenges were apparent in the existing building. The original classroom sizes were less than 400 SF, too small to fit a typical class and the required musical instruments, computers, keyboards and other equipment required for a functional classroom. The classrooms also had “thin walls”; when students sang or played instrument in one room, their sound was transferred from one to the other making it impractical for lessons to take place. The school did not have central air conditioning and relied on window air conditioners to cool the spaces in warmer months; these units created vibration and were extremely noisy; whenever students needed to make recordings, the air conditioners would have to be turned off in order to listen to the sounds properly and to avoid air conditioning sound being recorded. Their TV and Film Studio was a make-shift space converted from a dance studio which did not have any acoustical treatment, light filtration or the equipment required for students to learn the technical skills of running the sound and lighting boards and to produce television shows and films.
The reconstruction helped solve the spatial challenges the school faced by eliminating redundant circulation hallways into usable classroom space. Sound-proofed walls were built to completely isolate sounds between classrooms allowing students to sing, play instruments and rehearse without interfering adjacent classrooms. A new HVAC system with sound isolation was installed to eliminate ambient noise from equipment and air velocity in the classrooms. Static-free flooring was used to preserve high-end electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge. An abundant of electrical receptacles installed at strategically designed locations throughout the classrooms allow maximum flexibility and adaptability should the use of the rooms change in the future. Sustainability is extremely important to every project. Energy efficient, all electric self-contained HVAC units are installed in each of the classroom spaces. These units provide maximum flexibility in temperature control. All light fixtures are LED, dimmable and automatically controlled by occupancy and daylight sensors. 2.5" polyiso insulation were added to achieve a R30 rating in addition to acoustic spray applied to underside of deck for improved sound absorption. All materials used in the project had low or no VOC. LVT flooring comply with Buy American Act with 45% recycled contents.
We are extremely proud to complete the one-of-a-kind technologically sophisticated TV & Film Studio that includes an open Studio, Control Booth, Mixer Booth and a Whisper Booth. Acoustic treatment was designed and applied strategically to the specific use of each space, avoiding echo and sound interference. Professional-grade industry-standard equipment and editing software are provided to the students to prepare them for college and beyond. High-definition cameras, professional lighting and advanced audio/visual equipment provide top-tier educational opportunities allowing students to thrive in the ever-evolving creative film industry. The AV package included in this project was approximately $1 million providing these high school students with advanced equipment and software unmatched with any other schools in the region and beyond; preparing students to earn top-tiered hands-on experience even before they begin college. Students graduate with this advanced program with an edge over other students in their field competing for college scholarship.
