Adaptive Reuse Sends Building Owners Back to School



April 30, 2005 -- Good Fulton & Farrell continues the conversion of a research facility to a campus for Parish Episcopal School in a unique adaptive re-use opportunity. Marking the school's first major construction since acquiring the Exxon Mobil Corp. Office and Laboratory Building in 2002, the project includes a 14,400 S.F. gymnasium addition and an 8,000 S.F. renovation for locker rooms and lobby area. Designed by I.M. Pei and Partners in 1982, the original building is 337,000 S.F.

A challenging project for all involved, from the students and faculty to the architects and contractors, to seamlessly join and retain the character of I.M. Pei's original design with new construction. "The challenge was to create a youthful, invigorating space that would measure up against the scale and quality of the existing building," said Bryce A. Weigand, FAIA, Principal of Good Fulton & Farrell, "It is the first expansion designed to soften the office laboratory facility with the energy that a school environment requires." The primary volume of the gymnasium is tilt wall construction, finished to match the existing facility's pre-cast concrete veneer. The west elevation of the gymnasium, facing the new athletic fields, creates a new sport event entrance to the school. The goal of the project is to reduce the building to a human scale through addition of small offices, canopies and freestanding walls on the facade. New materials enhance and support this goal.

A high degree of visual lightness explodes from the roof structure, composed of a unique series of trusses and clerestory windows, glazed with an insulated translucent panel system providing glare-free day lighting. At night, the roof glows from within, emitting a soft light and further enhancing the west elevation's curved vocabulary.

"This gymnasium means space for the students to enjoy a variety of physical activities both during and after school," said Gloria Snyder, Parish's Head of School. "Also, as we add varsity sports next year, we will be able to play on our home court."

Good Fulton & Farrell Architects, an award-winning architecture firm located in Dallas, Texas employs over 80 associates and has a national practice. Twice voted the Dallas AIA Firm of the Year, Good Fulton & Farrell Architects offers comprehensive services including architectural design, interior design, and planning services to its corporate, institutional and real estate development clients.
About Good Fulton & Farrell: Founded in 1982, GFF enjoys a reputation for design excellence evidenced by frequent awards and appearances in publications. Notable work ranges from the historical revitalization of buildings such as the Food & Fiber Building at Fair Park to a multi-phased corporate headquarters for Nokia.

Good Fulton & Farrell Architects maintains an active role in the local Dallas community by partnering with the City of Dallas, The Greater Dallas Planning Council, The Real Estate Council and Dallas AIA to support initiatives critical to the revitalization of the City.

About The Parish Episcopal School:
Since 1972, Parish Episcopal School has inspired students to achieve in all aspects of their lives - academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically. The school is known for its contribution toward the development of students' confidence, spiritual anchoring and inclusive outlook, as well as for educating students to be contributing caring leaders of their society.





Adaptive Reuse Sends Building Owners Back to School