DoDDS Middle/Elementary School Renovations

The Livorno Elementary School (Camp Darby Bldg 201) was a single-story facility constructed in 1954. In late 2006, DoDDS elected to consolidate the middle school activities housed in a separate facility with elementary school activities for the 2007/2008 school year. Michael-Bruno was tasked by DoDDS to provide a dual-language (English and Italian) fast-track, design for the conversion of the existing elementary and middle school facilities. The design of this high-profile project had to be completed in 60 days to meet the new school year schedule.

Michael-Bruno’s rapid design challenges not only included site surveys, field studies, architectural, and MEP analyses, but structural and seismic design compliance and approval from Italy’s Genio Civile, project certification from the local fire department (Certificato di Prevenzione Incendi) and extensive interface with the Italian power company Enel Distribuzione SpA.

Our team prepared engineering design drawings and specifications, using SPECSINTACT, in Italian and English for solicitation and construction of the project. The facility remodel was designed in accordance with DoDDS Education Activities (DoDEA) requirements for middle schools and included the following:

•  Relocation of the Art Room, Music Room, Computer Lab and Media Center. These areas were upgraded to accommodate both elementary and middle school studies. Addition of a wall to an outdoor sidewalk area, forming an enclosed breezeway providing locker space for students.
• Remodeling of classrooms including minor reconfiguration and replacement of existing carpets with tile, as well as accommodation of additional computers and Smart Board technology. Computerized Smart Boards in each classroom were integrated into a wall unit with space for the unit’s computer, educational programs/materials, books and teachers’ personal items.
•  Upgrades to the facility electrical systems to eliminate unused systems and to comply with UNI, CEI, IEC and NEC electrical code requirements. These systems included lighting, LAN requirements, ancillary equipment and computer power. Non-functional systems were removed, wiring was replaced, and electrical panels were updated. GFCI systems were installed in areas needing this safety feature.

RELEVANT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Engineering assessments and systems analyses of existing facility in preparation for renovations
• Designs in Italian and English, compliant with Italian civil and building codes  Communications and utility systems upgrades
• Final designs stamped by a registered Italian engineer, in accordance with the US–Italian Mixed Commission Agreement
• Dual Language (English and Italian) Design