In 2013 Dan Hisel Architect was approached by RAW Art to assist with a much needed expansion. DHA provided site analysis and consulting to arrive at a strategy of growing west, into the building next door. Three primary functions were needed by the organization: GATHER, a space for events and studio space, LAUNCH (college-bound counseling), and ART OF WORD (expression through writing).
The new space continues RAW's mission for openness and transparency to the street and the city of Lynn through a large framed opening filled with glass and artful installations by the kids who spend so much of their time here.
DHA collaborated on this project with Jones Architecture who acted as Architect of Record.
A ramp connects the new space to RAW's original gallery next door.
Large glass garage doors provide remarkable flexibility, allowing the three programmatic spaces to be divided from each other (to improve acoustics) or connected to each other (for events and larger activities).
A film production studio on the third floor of the original building was also part of the scope for this project.
Space in the basement was renovated for use as a print studio.