FFA was contracted by Carlton Hart Architecture and the Portland Jewish Academy to provide planning and interior design services to transform their existing lobby and library into a new, 21st century collaborative Learning Commons to support the school’s student-centered teaching and learning culture.
The original space consisted of the school lobby, two corridors, a chapel/classroom and a traditional library with immovable tables, book stacks and a large, fixed staff service desk. The building’s wide expanse of windows overlooking the school grounds and Portland’s West Hills beyond, were cut off from the main library space by a corridor and enclosed study rooms.
The new PJA Learning Commons is now the heart of the school. Walls and other barriers were removed to create a welcoming, bright, open hub to support collaboration and a variety of simultaneous learning and working modes for students, faculty and the community at large.
2017
6,000 sf
![](https://ffadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PJA-LearningCommons-JoshPartee-8055.jpg)
FLEXIBLE FURNISHING
The furniture is fun, varied, lightweight, and movable for optimal flexibility which allows the space to be easily re-arranged for a multitude of activities and events. Furniture includes tables and chairs, a technology bar, lounge chairs, and a “story lounge” meant for children’s story time groups as well as casual lounge-use by all.
![](https://ffadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PJA-LearningCommons-JoshPartee-8069-1.jpg)
![](https://ffadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PJA-LearningCommons-JoshPartee-8069.jpg)