CQA Charter School serves the multiethnic, multicultural, and multilingual communities of Elmhurst, Corona, and Woodside in New York City.  Completed in two phases, the school’s new home occupies the podium of a mixed-use building, originally intended for retail. To maximize natural light, classrooms are positioned along the perimeter of large floorplates. Interior windowless spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage both structured and unstructured group learning, expanding the definition of classroom and transforming corridors into dynamic places for gathering and collaboration.