Desert Torah Academy Las Vegas, NV Design Concept Entry Projects Under Construction Award TMP Architecture in association with Perlman Design Group 2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Desert Torah Academy Main Entry

Desert Torah Academy Elevation

Front Entry Community Environment: Designers were challenged with the prospect of siting the new school on a tight 132,000 sf piece of property nestled between a commercial street and a quiet residential neighborhood. After several neighborhood meetings during the early design process, the design team adjusted elements of the school ’ s design, to include: A rear parking area, to lessen traffic congestion near the residential area A large setback to allow for a pick-up and drop- off area in the front of the school No street lighting in the front of the school out of respect for neighboring homes Adjustments in size and length of the original design to blend with the adjacent residential buildings

Circulation Learning Environment: With a combined secular and Judaic curriculum, the Desert Torah Academy, a K-8 school, strives to instill students with an excitement for learning and to stimulate their intellectual curiosity in a rewarding, positive environment. The pre-school area, first grade and upper grades are each designed in distinct ways that address the needs of each age group and therefore maximize the students’ potential. The common areas such as the multi- purpose pre-school room, the cafeteria/gymnasium, media center and playground accommodate shared activities and allow groups to integrate and expand their horizons academically, socially and spiritually.

Media Center Learning Environment (cont.): The Chabad prides itself in providing a technology-rich environment, and the school features plasma screens throughout, as well as a fully-equipped computer lab. All classrooms, a science lab and the media center are equipped with the latest technology. A high-tech security system allows children to enter freely, with a checkpoint at the administrative offices inside.

Torah Tots Entry Physical Environment: The Torah Tots Preschool on the first floor offers children age 3-5 a fun-filled, creative learning experience. Children are encouraged to use their senses to explore and to experiment. The colorful pre-school area has a winding “ streetscape ” corridor with washable wall panels and themed entry points for each set of two classrooms. First and second grade classrooms are also located at the first floor for easy access. Upper grades on the second floor are treated more formally and include a shared teacher ’ s resource room and conference room. The two-story atrium provides a dynamic and flexible space and acts as a connector between both wings of the building in addition to being a gathering area for the students with displays of Judaic artwork.

Multi-Purpose Room Physical Environment (cont.): The new school also includes a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool, and a full-service cafeteria with kosher kitchen accoutrements. A commons activities area is created between the gymnasium and the dining area by moveable partitions that separate the rooms. The outdoor play area for younger children is complemented by a large green space and dining terrace

Exterior Planning Process: Although Chabad has three schools in the Las Vegas area, enrollment at this particular urban location was on the rise, and the school needed additional space to accommodate the growing number of students. The design team explored several options with the Chabad group in order to achieve the right solution in the tight site. An original idea depicting several components which housed clusters of four classrooms each, developed into a more compact building with a dynamic exterior.

Two-Story Atrium Planning Process (cont.): The key to the solution was the arrangement of the classrooms into a two-wing two-story alternative, linked by then administration office / media center at the front and a central two-story atrium at the back, which articulates and connects all the pieces.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data Submitting Firm :TMP Associates, Inc. Project RoleContract Documents and Design Project ContactEduardo Blanc, AIA TitleProject Manager Address1191 West Square Lake Road City, State or Province, CountryBloomfield Hills, MI Phone(248) Joint Partner Firm:Perlman Design Group Project RoleProject Coordination and Design Project ContactJeff Balum TitleProject Coordinator Address2230 Corporate Circle, Suite 200 City, State or Province, CountryHenderson, NV Phone(702) Other Firm:Halcrow/Yolles Project RoleStructural Engineer Project ContactFrank Martinovic TitleProject Designer Address5550 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B1 City, State or Province, CountryLas Vegas, NV Phone(702) Construction Firm:Taylor International Project RoleGeneral Contractor Project ContactBill Mason TitleProject Manager Address4040 Dean Martin Drive City, State or Province, CountryLas Vegas, NV Phone(702)

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details Project Name Desert Torah Academy City Las Vegas State Nevada District Name Chabad of Southern Nevada Supt/President Rabbi Shea Harling Occupancy Date projected August 2010 Grades Housed K - 8 Capacity(Students) 400 students Site Size (acres) 135,500 sf Gross Area (sq. ft.) 65,800 sf Per Occupant(pupil) 165 sf / student gross/net please indicate Design and Build? No If yes, Total Cost: Includes: If no, Site Development: $ 1,000,000 Building Construction: $11,000,000 Fixed Equipment: Other: Total: $12,000,000