Concordia International School Shanghai Unveils Plans for New Rittmann Center
Concordia International School Shanghai is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a transformative new project: the redevelopment of the Rittmann Center. Set to significantly enhance the educational environment, the expansion will create a multi-purpose hub spanning an impressive 13,710 square meters, aimed at promoting excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and wellness. This facility honors the legacy of former Head of School Dr. David Rittmann and showcases the school's commitment to fostering holistic education.
The new Rittmann Center is not just an extension but a bold investment in the future of student engagement and creativity. Being over five times larger than the current facility built in 2007, this development stands as one of the most significant investments in Concordia's history. It is designed to cater to the needs of students from all divisions, embodying innovation and sustainability while enriching the school's environment.
Among the center's many features, the highlight will be an eight-lane, 25-meter competition swimming pool equipped with seating for 240 spectators, enabling students to engage in aquatic sports at a competitive level. Alongside, a state-of-the-art theater will enhance the performing arts programs, with a seating capacity increased to over 500, up from the current 330. This major upgrade will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a more accommodating setting.
The Rittmann Center will also include fully equipped music classrooms dedicated to band, choir, and strings programs, along with six practice rooms and three ensemble rooms to facilitate collaborative music making. A generous 170 square meter drama studio will allow students to hone their acting skills in a designated creative space. Furthermore, the expansion features four art studios that flood with natural light, encouraging artistic exploration and growth.
To maximize utility without spreading the campus too thin, the building will maintain a compact footprint with two underground levels and four above ground. Additionally, a green roof will exemplify Concordia’s focus on sustainability, meeting LEED II certification standards as part of the school's dedication to environmental responsibility.
The architectural design, spearheaded by Ennead Architects, ensures that the creativity and functionality are seamlessly integrated, employing advanced acoustical treatments and energy-efficient systems to support a 21st-century learning atmosphere. The building is intended not only to be a space for academic excellence but also to inspire and invigorate the student body, allowing them to explore their passions and develop their confidence in a vibrant community.
Head of School Dr. Eric Semler emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, "The Rittmann Center has long been a space where students shine. This new facility will take that to the next level—empowering students to explore their passions, build confidence, and thrive in a community that celebrates their talents."
Construction is slated to commence after the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year, with an anticipated completion date set for July 2027. In a bid to limit disruptions, the school will implement a phased construction schedule aligned with school breaks, complemented by sound barriers and dust suppression systems to ensure a conducive learning environment. Dedicated traffic flow systems will also be deployed to safeguard student movement in the vicinity of the construction.
In a statement, Dr. Semler remarked, "This is more than a building project - it's an investment in our students' future. It’s about crafting an environment where upcoming generations can learn, perform, and grow."
Concordia International School Shanghai, established in 1998, offers a comprehensive American-style education from preschool through high school in the international community of Jinqiao within Shanghai's Pudong district. With a focus on nurturing students' unique gifts, the school emphasizes innovative academic programs and strong character development. Through this expansion, Concordia reiterates its commitment to enhancing educational excellence and enriching student experiences for years to come.
The new Rittmann Center is not just an extension but a bold investment in the future of student engagement and creativity. Being over five times larger than the current facility built in 2007, this development stands as one of the most significant investments in Concordia's history. It is designed to cater to the needs of students from all divisions, embodying innovation and sustainability while enriching the school's environment.
Among the center's many features, the highlight will be an eight-lane, 25-meter competition swimming pool equipped with seating for 240 spectators, enabling students to engage in aquatic sports at a competitive level. Alongside, a state-of-the-art theater will enhance the performing arts programs, with a seating capacity increased to over 500, up from the current 330. This major upgrade will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a more accommodating setting.
The Rittmann Center will also include fully equipped music classrooms dedicated to band, choir, and strings programs, along with six practice rooms and three ensemble rooms to facilitate collaborative music making. A generous 170 square meter drama studio will allow students to hone their acting skills in a designated creative space. Furthermore, the expansion features four art studios that flood with natural light, encouraging artistic exploration and growth.
To maximize utility without spreading the campus too thin, the building will maintain a compact footprint with two underground levels and four above ground. Additionally, a green roof will exemplify Concordia’s focus on sustainability, meeting LEED II certification standards as part of the school's dedication to environmental responsibility.
The architectural design, spearheaded by Ennead Architects, ensures that the creativity and functionality are seamlessly integrated, employing advanced acoustical treatments and energy-efficient systems to support a 21st-century learning atmosphere. The building is intended not only to be a space for academic excellence but also to inspire and invigorate the student body, allowing them to explore their passions and develop their confidence in a vibrant community.
Head of School Dr. Eric Semler emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, "The Rittmann Center has long been a space where students shine. This new facility will take that to the next level—empowering students to explore their passions, build confidence, and thrive in a community that celebrates their talents."
Construction is slated to commence after the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year, with an anticipated completion date set for July 2027. In a bid to limit disruptions, the school will implement a phased construction schedule aligned with school breaks, complemented by sound barriers and dust suppression systems to ensure a conducive learning environment. Dedicated traffic flow systems will also be deployed to safeguard student movement in the vicinity of the construction.
In a statement, Dr. Semler remarked, "This is more than a building project - it's an investment in our students' future. It’s about crafting an environment where upcoming generations can learn, perform, and grow."
Concordia International School Shanghai, established in 1998, offers a comprehensive American-style education from preschool through high school in the international community of Jinqiao within Shanghai's Pudong district. With a focus on nurturing students' unique gifts, the school emphasizes innovative academic programs and strong character development. Through this expansion, Concordia reiterates its commitment to enhancing educational excellence and enriching student experiences for years to come.
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