Last July we held a large-scale affinity mapping charrette as a way of gathering data about people’s day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. The affinity map proved to be a very effective tool for aggregating the collective wisdom of the crowd.

Collective intelligence in the digital realm is an idea that’s gained more traction in the past couple of years. Think of the crowdsourcing used to build the Linux operating system or Google’s search algorithms. What makes affinity mapping unique is its use as an analog tool to document collective intelligence. Even better, it creates a physical representation of the group’s collective thinking: the Post-It diagram.

The process of creating that physical artifact ...[more]

The Library and Science Center at the Ashley Hall School in Charleston has received a 2010 Merit Award for Excellence in School Building and Design from CEFPI’s South Carolina chapter.

The center was dedicated in 2009, the centennial year for this independent girls’ school. The school’s rich history informed the project design, which drew inspiration from the proportion and detail of nearby McBee House, the campus’ iconic structure. The Library occupies two floors of the new building, while the third floor and renovated space in adjoining Jenkins ...[more]

CHARLESTON, SC – What’s more important than dedicating a new building? Putting it right to work.

On August 20, the Ashley Hall School did just that when it dedicated its new Library and Science Center in a ceremony that marked the beginning of the fall term. Shortly after the event, student began using the resources of the new library, which occupies the first two floors of the 24,500 square foot building, and classes convened in the third-floor science center.

The new center is linked to existing Jenkins Hall with a three-story glass box connector that houses faculty offices, a media lab, and a central stair.

Head of School Jill Muti ...[more]

CHARLESTON, SC – The Ashley Hall School celebrated the start of construction on its new Library/ Media and Science Center in a ceremony held today on the school’s historic Charleston campus.

When it is completed the 20,000 s.f. building will house a new library and media center for this independent girls’ school, quadrupling the size of the school’s existing library facilities. A science center will occupy the building’s top floor, as well as an additional 4,500 sf of renovated space on the top floor of adjacent Lane Hall.

A glass connector will link the new structure to Lane Hall. Trellises scaling the building’s entrance will cloak the walls with flowering vines specifically ...[more]

BOSTON, MA — Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott has been selected to create a new master plan for Ashley Hall, an independent girls school in Charleston, South Carolina.

The master plan will allow for modest growth in the future and include a reevaluation of the existing campus to support anticipated programmatic changes that reflect the school’s strategic plan. The master plan is scheduled to be completed in six to nine months.

The master planning team includes Jonathan Ross, AIA, Principal in Charge; Alexander Howe, AIA, Principal for Design; Susan Hoadley, AIA, Project Manager and Planner; and Anne Newman, Programmer.

Ashley Hall provides a challenging and rewarding academic environment for girls and ...[more]