Focusing on the Future: Design Imaging Studios Captures Sustainable Design at a Rochester School

by Christian Scully

That old phrase, "the children are our future," became more than an idea this past year when The Harley School in Rochester, New York opened the doors of its newest building, The Commons. This "living building" sets a new bar for sustainability in education, seeking to reach a net-zero balance of its resources. Not only was the structure designed to have a low environmental impact, but the responsibility of its operation is being placed directly in the hands of its own inhabitants: the students. 

Young learners will measure, track and test the energy systems throughout The Commons, and collaborate in achieving minimum consumption and waste of precious resources. Constructed mainly from a recycled 100 year old dairy barn, building systems include a solar chimney, a green wall, rainwater collection, a geothermal system, solar panels, systems for carbon sequestering and a solar hot water heating system. By working first hand with these technologies and evaluating the causes of energy creation and consumption, the students will gain a greater appreciation for environmental awareness and hopefully take these experiences with them long after graduation. 

We had the great honor of documenting the finished construction of the The Commons for the architect, 9x30 Design, Architecture, the lead designer, Tom Johnson, Nichols Construction Team and The Harley School communications department. With collaborative creative direction, Design Imaging Studios Associate Photographer, Rich Paprocki, skillfully took to the camera for this unique project, translating the beautiful design into a series of clean and cohesive photographs. After completing artistic and detailed post-production, we are very excited to reveal the resulting images. 

The Commons is another innovative building constructed during period of exciting progress in Rochester. According to this article from Architectural Record, there are $755 million of projects underway in downtown Rochester alone. We at Design Imaging Studios are excited to have the opportunity to document some of the foundations in the uplifting revival of a great New York city. 

To view more of the images from this shoot and other projects we have photographed, visit our updated portfolio. And wherever you may roam in the world of social media follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr to stay tuned to current projects, industry news and helpful insight into the value of professional architectural and interior photography. 

Thank you to 9x30 Design, The Harley School, Tom Johnson, and Nichols Construction Team for the fantastic opportunity. 

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Keywords: the harley school, rochester ny, 9x30 design architecture, nichols construction team, tom johnson designer, design imaging studios, sustainable architecture, green design, environment, the commons, chesonis commons, architectural and interior photography, professional design photography, sustainability, LEED