Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Duke Ellington School of the Arts, established in 1974, remains the sole DC public high school to offer a dual curriculum encompassing both professional arts training and academic enrichment in preparation for college and careers in the arts.

It was born to “house the creative soul of the District” and to mirror the rich cultural diversity of our country. The circa 1898 National Landmark structure was to undergo a comprehensive modernization and expansion program to create a world-class facility.

CGS Architects’ design approach was rooted in developing a solid understanding of the original building fabric in order to respect and dignify the architecture while evoking an interpretation that is understandable to its stewards, occupants, and visitors. New construction–expressed in contemporary design and materials to differentiate from original structure–radiates from the core of the restored historic buildings with new mid-section and rear additions housing large studios, performance venues, and rehearsal spaces. The "Arts Machine" design expresses the functions within, promoting interdepartmental awareness and collaboration while inviting the surrounding neighborhood to experience the products of its diverse pre-professional programs. The academic and performance environment revolves around a 4-story sky-lit Atrium featuring a new, iconic, 800-seat theater at its core, representing the institution’s metaphoric ‘heart’.

The complexities of the ‘heart’ required a fully-integrated approach, utilizing Graphisoft’s Archicad BIM software to enhance communication through the design and construction process. To create efficient workflows, all trades were required to have access to the BIM model to understand even the smallest details. Coordination of design elements and adjustments could happen in real time; solving issues that would have taken months to sort through, saving precious time and money. The design intent and integrity of the overall project was only made possible through a single-model and Open BIM modelling approach.