Those of us who attended the alumni photoshoot on October 9 were shown the video. I was in tears. All those days of going to school with no air in the summer and no heat in the winter has finally paid off.
I am so glad they're not razing the original facade, & I love the openness & light of the new plan. Perhaps they could have found a way to make it more harmonious, but honestly, after so many years of surviving in the crumbling old facilities, I'm just so grateful that they're getting something new. & a REAL performance space!!! I envy the kids who will have that. May they have endless opportunities to use it.
I just hope it is actually as amazing as it looks. Especially the parking garage. Seems to be a good and mostly efficient use of space and light. Certainly fits the character of the school. Skeptical that the rooftop happens.
Wow...I can imagine it will be harder to get in........the audition process will be much more grueling. ..than it was in the 80s. ....wow. ...breathtaking! !!......truly an institution
Love the plan for open air film screenings on the roof. I have a few programs of films by teens ready to present! And that's my school #DSEA - but it was called #WesternHSDC when I went there!
Mixed feelings. Don't like the interior skywalks. The roof effect won't work in the winter without a roof. But it is awesome. Had the iconic front been changed I would have hated it. But it looks classy now. Graduate of the former Western High School, 1966.
You know with citywide gentrification and the chronic overcrowding at Wilson Duke Ellington is eventually going to be renovated again and turned back into a general high school renamed Western High School someday. More and more wealthy kids from new Millennial parents are staying in the city and sending their kids to in boundary public schools because the competition for private school admission has become so cutthroat and it's so overwhelmingly expensive for most of them, even relatively rich people. Eventually they'll pressure the future new white "Independent" mayor to do away with frivolous expenses like art schools and remodel the school for them.
I don't like the modern architecture integrated with the classic roman aesthetic. The rigid vertical structure with the futuristic glass panels is inconsistent. It's a poor design choice. I understand the urge to upgrade, but this 3D architectural facade is definitely on the tacky side. I dunno. That's just me. O_o
+Ronnibear howdy. actually, today, 4.29.16, is the first time I've seen the design. like it a lot! way different than I expected. live a few blocks away. seen the current shell, but what an ambitious design. but I hear ya. each their own.
Those of us who attended the alumni photoshoot on October 9 were shown the video. I was in tears. All those days of going to school with no air in the summer and no heat in the winter has finally paid off.
I am so glad they're not razing the original facade, & I love the openness & light of the new plan. Perhaps they could have found a way to make it more harmonious, but honestly, after so many years of surviving in the crumbling old facilities, I'm just so grateful that they're getting something new. & a REAL performance space!!! I envy the kids who will have that. May they have endless opportunities to use it.
so beautiful!! has to be the most gorgeous public school in the country...
I am a DESA family member and our school is awesome no matter how good it looks
Amazing I wish they did this while we were there
I just hope it is actually as amazing as it looks. Especially the parking garage. Seems to be a good and mostly efficient use of space and light. Certainly fits the character of the school. Skeptical that the rooftop happens.
It's really nice! I like how bright and open it is. The rooftop theater looks like a deck on a cruise ship.
About time.... This is well deserved just wish it was done sooner.... Best wishes...
I can't wait for the school to be like this
Awesome design!!!
Wow that's amazing and they're gonna be done with it in two years. That's a lot of work to do in a two year time period
Wow...I can imagine it will be harder to get in........the audition process will be much more grueling. ..than it was in the 80s. ....wow. ...breathtaking! !!......truly an institution
This is amazing!
I love it. Only wish it happened while I attended.
That's my school! #DESA
Love the plan for open air film screenings on the roof. I have a few programs of films by teens ready to present! And that's my school #DSEA - but it was called #WesternHSDC when I went there!
Mixed feelings. Don't like the interior skywalks. The roof effect won't work in the winter without a roof. But it is awesome. Had the iconic front been changed I would have hated it. But it looks classy now. Graduate of the former Western High School, 1966.
David are you a DESA family member?
WWWhhatttttt lol. I'm so mad that they are just doing it now. Lucky students !!!
But my question is.......will this be a distraction to the dedication and commitment to the chosen craft of the students?
It's almost too nice to be a school. I'm graduate of DESA and I know I'd spend most of my time out on that patio outside of the media lab.
You know with citywide gentrification and the chronic overcrowding at Wilson Duke Ellington is eventually going to be renovated again and turned back into a general high school renamed Western High School someday. More and more wealthy kids from new Millennial parents are staying in the city and sending their kids to in boundary public schools because the competition for private school admission has become so cutthroat and it's so overwhelmingly expensive for most of them, even relatively rich people. Eventually they'll pressure the future new white "Independent" mayor to do away with frivolous expenses like art schools and remodel the school for them.
I don't like the modern architecture integrated with the classic roman aesthetic. The rigid vertical structure with the futuristic glass panels is inconsistent. It's a poor design choice. I understand the urge to upgrade, but this 3D architectural facade is definitely on the tacky side. I dunno. That's just me. O_o
+Ronnibear howdy. actually, today, 4.29.16, is the first time I've seen the design. like it a lot! way different than I expected. live a few blocks away. seen the current shell, but what an ambitious design. but I hear ya. each their own.