OMA architects have embarked on a captivating transformation of Houston’s historic 1930s J.A. Folger & Co. coffee plant, reimagining it as the Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA) — also known as the academy. This tuition-free public charter school, anchored in music and arts education, lies along the Buffalo Bayou East corridor, facing the future Turkey Bend development.
Integrating Community Education at the Academy
OMA’s design for FLAMA, spearheaded by partner Jason Long and project architect Salome Nikuradze, spans 6,050 square meters and focuses on community-centric education. The architects have organized the school across three stories, using Montessori-inspired principles to foster independence and collaborative learning through shared spaces known as ‘neighborhoods.’ These spaces are vital for informal gatherings and performances, making all areas accessible and engaging, which is central to the ethos of this educational architecture.
For another example of architecture blending with community-centric design principles, explore Taller General Studio’s Ecuadorian projects and discover how they create community-focused spaces.
Innovative Architecture Inspired by Music
At ground level, young students enjoy a common area dedicated to physical activities like play and drum circles. A sculptural staircase, resembling a French horn, opens up spaces for informal performances. Higher floors cater to older students, with spaces dedicated to reading and collaborative or independent study. Designed with flexibility, these areas adapt to multiple uses beyond regular classes, showcasing the dynamic approach of the institution.
Linking the two libraries on different floors is an ‘f’-shaped opening. Inspired by musical notation, this feature enhances both visual and auditory connections across spaces. The central cafetorium, featuring a circular opening and banjo-like staircase, underscores the building’s commitment to collective gathering and musical expression akin to a music and arts school.
Embracing Daylight in Industrial Architecture
The architects faced the challenge of introducing natural light into the industrial structure. By positioning classrooms along exterior walls and incorporating circular skylights, daylight now illuminates the central shared spaces. They retained the original windows along the façade, aligning historic preservation with modern energy standards. A colorful courtyard complements the building’s industrial heritage with its new identity as a learning hub, a key feature of the new academy.
To see how an architectural transformation can retain historic elements, read about Ivy Studio’s minimalist clinic in Quebec, showcasing a blend of old and new design.
Project Details
Project Name: Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA)
Architect: OMA New York | @omanewyork
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Area: 6,050 sqm (65,120 sq ft)
Partner: Jason Long
Project Architect: Salome Nikuradze
Client: Lovett Commercial
Architect of Record: RDLR Architects
Landscape Architect: SWA Group
Structural Engineer: IMEG
MEP: DBR Engineering
Acoustics: Salas O’Brien
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is housed in the transformed coffee plant?
The transformed coffee plant houses the Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA), a tuition-free public charter school focused on music and arts education.
How do OMA architects integrate community education at the academy?
OMA’s design spans 6,050 square meters and uses Montessori-inspired principles organizing the school across three stories. They focus on community-centric education with shared spaces known as ‘neighborhoods’ that foster independence and collaborative learning.
How is natural light introduced in the academy’s design?
Natural light is introduced by positioning classrooms along exterior walls and incorporating circular skylights. These features illuminate central shared spaces while retaining the original windows along the façade.