154 West 93rd Street (Joan of Arc Junior High School)

154 West 93rd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues
(Joan of Arc Junior High School)

Read the Social History of Joan of Arc Junior High School 

Date:  1941

Type:  School

Architect:  Kebbon, Eric

Wish List:  Current Wish List

The “skyscraper school” exemplifies new ideas in school planning and design during the first half of the 20th century, when rising land values, small lot sizes and overcrowded classrooms pushed many architects to rethink their approach. The experimental design succeeded in providing adequate classroom space while maximizing natural light and fresh air. The central 8-story tower contains large-windowed classrooms, while 2-story side wings house the gymnasium and auditorium. Perhaps referring to the similarities between Joan of Arc’s Art-Deco verticality and skyscrapers that had recently cropped up in Midtown, one observer called the school “a little piece of new New York”

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