Located on the historic, tree-lined campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ, Drew STEM+Arts Academy is a forward-thinking high school (Grades 9-12) designed to cultivate a deep connection between students and their environment. Rooted in sustainability, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, the academy fosters a new generation of thinkers who can bridge the gap between the built and natural worlds.
At the heart of the campus are three integrated green spaces—a vibrant courtyard, a state-of-the-art greenhouse, and rooftop living classrooms and gardens—ensuring that students are constantly engaged with nature. These spaces serve as living laboratories, reinforcing the responsibility of environmental stewardship, regenerative design, and sustainability in everyday life.
In alignment with Living Building Challenge (LBC) principles, the school prioritizes net-positive energy and water strategies, using natural daylighting, rainwater collection, and local materials to reduce its footprint. The campus is designed not just to sustain but to give back to its environment, fostering a sense of resilience and responsibility in every student.
Beyond its green infrastructure, Drew STEM+Arts Academy boasts cutting-edge technology and art studios, empowering students to push the boundaries of science, engineering, and creative expression. Through hands-on learning, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world applications, students graduate from the school, ready to shape a future where human ingenuity and nature thrive together.
Drew High School Rooftop Concept
site analysis
concept models + annotation
site context
close up
contents
first floor plan
second floor plan
roof plan
sections
approach
greenhouse
courtyard interior
