Basic HTML Version
6
SUMMER
2012
There’s a palpable sense of something in
the air these days around IC. Relief for
some; anticipation for others; excitement
for many.
All eyes and thoughts are only on one
thing: the new IC elementary school
buildings will be completed and handed
over in October 2012 – only a few short
months away.
How it all began…
It all started in 2009 when after 10 years
of negotiations with AUB, the IC Ras
Beirut campus was purchased.This ef-
fectively meant that IC was now free to
make any changes it saw fit.The Reynolds
Hall – formerly the British Embassy –
was to be transferred to AUB. IC desper-
ately needed a new elementary school.
In anticipation, IC had already been
working on a master plan for the entire
campus. Once the purchase was finalized,
the school’s Buildings and Grounds Com-
mittee started the search for the right
architectural firm. In 2008, Flansburgh
Architects, a US firm specializing in the
design of educational institutions, was
hired. Joined by local architectural firm,
Khatib and Alami, they unveiled their
design which consisted of three build-
ings – North and West would be used for
classrooms while the South would house
recreational facilities (including an indoor
gym and theatre) that would serve the
entire student body. The South Build-
ing would also house the school’s central
plant. Moreover, the buildings would be
LEED certified (authenticated to be envi-
ronmentally friendly) with a Gold rating.
The committee literally poured over the
designs for weeks on end.There were
many decisions to take. “Tough deci-
sions,” recalled
ImadTaher ‘58
, Chair of
the Buildings and Grounds Committee,
“every step of the way.”
Consultants were called in and archi-
tects were extensively questioned.These
buildings were like no other.These are
Just a few more months…
Flansburgh President David Croteau, Trustee Maya Tohme, Trustee Imad Taher ’58, President John Johnson, Senior VP Mishka Mourani
Mishka Mourani and David Croteau