Project Description
FROM THE JURY:
A collaborative, iterative design approach to Miller’s Court included focus group meetings with teachers and local residents to inform the building’s program and development process. The resulting LEED Gold certified complex includes 40 rental apartments and 30,000 square feet of office space and shared meeting rooms with contemporary, loft-like interiors. A Teacher Resource Center provides copiers for printing class materials and includes a lending library. Charmington’s, a cooperatively owned independent café in the building, has become a popular gathering spot for teachers, tenants, and the community.
Interaction is a key component of life and work in Miller’s Court. Networking and information sharing among its residents-fueled by the presence of Teach for America and other education, youth, and community-service focused non-profit tenants-fosters increased resources and new opportunities. Monthly brown bag lunches featuring guest speakers help promote connections among the inherent nonprofits and with the broader community. The complex’s central, landscaped courtyard offers outdoor space for informal gatherings and community events. Public areas feature artwork made by students from the nearby Maryland Institute College of Art with materials salvaged during the construction process.