Saint Paschal Baylon: Designing a Multi-Purpose Band Room and Social Gathering Space for Community Growth

Saint Paschal Baylon School and Parish Conceptual Exterior Perspective

The intersection of education, the creative arts, and community often produces some of the most impactful spaces in architecture. Our recent project, an addition to a school that serves as part of a church community, embodies this vision by designing a multi-purpose band room and social gathering space. The aim was to enrich the school’s creative arts program while providing a welcoming environment for congregation meetings and community events. The design centers on fostering connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

Saint Paschal Baylon School and Parish Existing Conditions

A Vision for Creativity and Community

In many ways, this project is about dual-purpose functionality. The band room, equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics and adaptable layouts, serves not only as a music rehearsal space but also as a venue for performances, lectures, and workshops. Its ability to also function as a social gathering space supports the needs of the church congregation, offering a modern venue for fellowship, meetings, and special events.

What sets this project apart is how the space seamlessly integrates into the existing school and church campus, creating an architectural dialogue that respects tradition while embracing modernity. The design uses clean lines, expansive glazing, and natural materials to create an open and inviting atmosphere. The result is a structure that serves its practical needs while inspiring creativity and connection. As part of the project, the main social hall and cafeteria will also undergo a transformation correcting acoustic, lighting and a variety of functional issues.

Gymnasium + Cafeteria Interior Conceptual Perspective: Event Layout

Gymnasium + Cafeteria Interior Conceptual Perspective: Cafeteria Layout

Gymnasium + Cafeteria Existing Conditions

The Courtyard: A Central Hub for Connection

At the heart of the addition lies a new courtyard, which acts as both a physical and symbolic connector between the school and the church community. Framed by the band room on one side and the social gathering space on the other, the courtyard creates a natural gathering point that encourages interaction across generations.

The courtyard design emphasizes openness and accessibility, with pathways leading directly from the interior spaces to soft-scape outside. It features flexible seating areas, landscaped plantings, and a subtle integration of outdoor lighting, making it equally functional for daytime activities and evening gatherings. The space is designed to accommodate everything from informal conversations and small group studies to outdoor concerts and celebrations, reinforcing the idea that architecture can facilitate community engagement.

Saint Paschal Baylon Courtyard Campus Addition Conceptual Exterior Perspective

Designing for Adaptability and Longevity

The band room itself features flexible layouts and acoustic panels that can be adjusted to suit various activities, from small group rehearsals to large ensemble performances. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating an uplifting environment that promotes focus and creativity. A connection to the courtyard provides an opportunity for indoor-outdoor programming, such as open-air concerts.

The social gathering space echoes this adaptability. Its clean, open floor plan can easily be reconfigured for a range of events, including youth programs, prayer groups, and church banquets. Thoughtful details, such as durable materials and energy-efficient systems, ensure the space remains both beautiful and functional for years to come.

Social Hall Renovation Conceptual Interior Perspective

A Space That Inspires and Serves

This project is more than an addition—it is a statement of the community’s commitment to education, the arts, and collective growth. By providing new opportunities for creative expression and social connection, this space helps nurture the cultural and spiritual life of the school and church alike.

We are honored to play a part in shaping environments that inspire learning, creativity, and community. This multi-purpose band room and social space exemplify how thoughtful design can bring people together, foster meaningful interactions, and support the creative and spiritual development of all who pass through its doors.

Saint Paschal Baylon Courtyard Campus Addition Conceptual Exterior Perspective