Mastery Charter Schools sought to expand activity and gathering space at Harrity Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia to better support physical education, school programming, and shared student activities. Working in collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia, O Z Collaborative evaluated multiple strategies for expanding the school’s public and instructional spaces. After reviewing three conceptual options, the team proceeded with the design of a 2,300-square-foot addition serving as a half-gymnasium and multi-purpose room.

The project required careful coordination with the existing building, whose primary occupied floor sits above street level. To minimize impact on the site, the addition was designed with column supports that align the new structure with the elevated first floor while preserving existing site conditions and circulation. The flexible space supports physical education, assemblies, school events, and a variety of shared student activities. Structural integration and operational efficiency were central to the planning process. The completed addition strengthens the school’s ability to support student life and community programming within a compact urban campus.