Saddle River Day School’s new 32,000-square-foot Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship is slated to include a series of classrooms and small group instruction rooms, including three specialty learning spaces and four science labs. — Renderings courtesy: DIGroup Architecture
By Joshua Burd
Saddle River Day School has picked DIGroup Architecture to design a new 32,000-square-foot academic building on its campus, the New Brunswick-based firm announced.
According to the practice, plans for the Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship call for a series of classrooms and small group instruction rooms, including three specialty learning spaces and four science labs. These new spaces will help support advanced math and sciences courses such as physics, engineering and advanced placement offerings, as well as AI discovery, robotics, a financial lab, a coaching academy and Saturday STEAM bootcamps.
The hall also will house faculty offices, an upper-school commons and open, multiuse collaboration and social spaces, as well as a new admissions center.
“DIG’s creativity truly brought our vision to life,” said Jalaj Desai, head of Saddle River Day School. “The firm team’s ability to balance aesthetic appeal with functional design resulted in a space that not only meets the needs of our students and faculty but also inspires innovation and learning.
“The design is both forward-thinking and timeless, capturing the essence of our school’s mission while creating a welcoming and dynamic environment. What truly set them apart was their flexibility and collaborative spirit.”
The assignment in Saddle River is among DIG’s latest in the education sector, the firm said, noting that its past work includes pre-K to high school and colleges and universities across New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. The firm said it was spearheading the architectural design, planning and oversight of the design and construction process to ensure an exceptional and enriched student, faculty and visitor experience.
DIG added that the hall is the focal point of a capital enhancement campaign that also includes the addition of a new turf field and expanded parking.
“We are thrilled to partner with Saddle River Day School on this exciting project that will serve as an important cornerstone of the school’s beautiful 25.5-acre suburban campus,” said Jeffrey Venezia, a principal at DIG. “The entire DIG team is committed to creating modern spaces that support student success and innovation while enriching the entire academic and social experience for all. We look forward to collaborating with the entire school community, from school leadership and faculty to students and parents.”
DIG’s Education Studio, initially founded to deliver school-focused projects that support community impact, continues focus on high-performance, sustainable solutions that address the unique, ever-evolving needs within the academic sector.
“Throughout the project, the DIG team remained open to our ideas, adapting to changes and challenges with ease and grace,” Desai added. “Their commitment to understanding our needs made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. They were always approachable, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
