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The world’s most dynamic schools, much like living organisms, adapt to their surroundings. They recognise the importance of preparing students for a future that is not only unpredictable but also shaped by rapid technological advancements and a globally interconnected society. The Frederick Gunn School‘s dedication to this principle is evident through its expansion.
With the announcement of a US$25 million gift from esteemed alum Jonathan Tisch ’72 and his wife, Lizzie, in March 2022, the school ushered in a new era of extracurricular enrichment with the construction of The Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship.
The 24,000-square-foot, two-story centre replaces and significantly expands upon the Science Building, aligning itself with the school’s commitment to adaptability and progress.
Beyond its role as a haven for foundational courses in science and mathematics, this state-of-the-art facility will be the permanent home of the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy and Entrepreneurship Center. It will house flourishing programmes in engineering and computer science, converging critical disciplines under one roof.
Source: The Frederick Gunn School
Emily Gum, the Head of School, believes this new building will be more than a physical structure, but a manifestation of the school’s strategic vision and commitment to Frederick Gunn’s timeless ideals.
“Mr. Gunn was a transformative leader, a pioneering educator, and a courageous abolitionist,” say Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch. “He inspired students to be curious and thoughtful, to be active citizens, and to stand up for what they believe in — his ideas are as relevant today as they were 174 years ago.”
The interdisciplinary nature of the centre will catalyse a paradigm shift in education. State-of-the-art labs serve as incubators for turning ideas into action, fostering an environment where students can be curious, solve problems, take risks, and think independently.
Source: The Frederick Gunn School
The proximity of programmes and spaces within the building is intentional, designed to encourage integration and interdisciplinary work. It will be a place where students reflect on the impact they want to have in the world — much like the transformative experiences facilitated at the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Centre, where artistic, world-bettering aspirations come to life.
“The generosity of Lizzie and Jon will immediately contribute to the ongoing transformation of our campus and, more importantly, will further accelerate the curricular programming initiatives already underway that build on Mr. Gunn’s values that so profoundly encourage active citizenship,” Gum says.
Source: The Frederick Gunn School
The building will also have six math classrooms, four science labs catering to chemistry, biology, physics, and general science, flexible meeting and classroom spaces, as well as a two-storey, glass atrium overlooking the quad that will become “a hub” for the campus.
In contrast to the Science Building’s Brutalist architecture, the new centre is an open and transparent space, inviting the outdoors in. The extensive use of glass not only provides a visually striking panorama but also serves as a window into everything that makes life at the Frederick Gunn School special.
“It’s going to be open and light and collaborative and transparent. Inside, you’re going to actually be able to see all the great work that’s going on,” explains Sean Brown P’22’27, Chief Development Officer. “You’re going to be able to see what happens in the entrepreneurship programme and our engineering programme, our citizenship programme, and of course, science and math in our classrooms and labs.”
Most importantly, the centre is sustainable — seeing to this is Vinicius Gorgati, Principal Architect for Sasaki, the Boston-based architecture firm leading the project. The incorporation of triple-glazed glass maximises energy efficiency and insulation, blending form and function. The building as a whole was designed with a commitment to environmental responsibility, striving to be as close to carbon neutral as possible. The roof’s design anticipates the installation of solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun alongside geothermal fields on the quad.
“This is by far the most ambitious sustainability plan we’ve had,” said Seth Low, Associate Head of School. “As Mr. Gunn’s school, we have an obligation to be forward-thinking in terms of sustainability.”
Source: The Frederick Gunn School
These features were funded in part by the late Gretchen Farmer P’05, a revered member of the Board of Trustees, past parent of a student, and loyal supporter of the school. Her legacy, intertwined with a dedication to sustainable practices, is etched into the very foundations of The Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Centre.
Indeed, the ongoing efforts of Frederick Gunn School graduates to contribute to the continuous improvement and modernisation of their alma mater’s facilities speak volumes to the enduring impact of a well-rounded education. As custodians of the school’s rich legacy, they are investing time, resources and visionary thinking to not only ensure the institution continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive; but to also inspire, nurture and empower the next generation of leaders.
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