Under a design-build contract with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA), DMR served as the design consultant to the general contractor for the design and construction of the new, Joseph A. Taub School in Paterson. The 163,000 SF building serves students in grades 6-8 and is one of only two middle schools in the district, which has 34 total school buildings.
The school includes 36 classrooms, nine science labs, six special education classrooms, three art rooms, three science/math/tech project labs, six small group instruction rooms, an occupational therapy room, physical therapy sensory room, a hydroponics lab, cafetorium, stage/dance studio, gymnasium, music/instrument room, a computer lab and media center.
The opening of the school was celebrated by the community, with media reports noting that the school symbolized “[that] hope is here” and that it will help “build a great society” as it brought critically-needed, modern educational space to the city, where most schools are more than 100 years old and plagued with overcrowding. Implementing modern education spaces at the middle school level opened up access to age-appropriate career exploration opportunities or enhanced STEM, art or music programs. The success of the school validated the district’s goals in moving toward a middle school model. As architect of record, DMR is helping the district formulate the strategy and update Long Range Facilities Plan in order to implement the model, which is expected be completed in 2027.
The Joseph A. Taub School achieved LEED Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council. Noteworthy sustainable elements include pedestrian accessibility to more than 94% of students and a 32.47% reduction in indoor water usage. Electrically operated solar shades reduce heat gain and maintain optimal daylight. Nearly 51,000 SF of rubber asphaltic pavers on the roof help reduce the effect of the “heat island,” due to their recycled material content, durability, and ability to reflect more sunlight.