Interior renovation of a portion of the fourth floor of Wean Hall for the Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP). The department of EPP had previously been located in multiple locations across campus. This renovation brings the department together in one location and focuses on providing a range of student-facing spaces. These informal learning spaces support student engagement by creating areas for coincidental meetings and providing support for contemporary learning. The areas include a student lounge and kitchenette, large and small group work rooms, large and small quiet study rooms, and rooms for virtual meeting. Spaces for faculty were also created including offices, shared work rooms, and a teleconferencing room.

Meetings with a selected committee that represented the different components of the department (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, faculty, and staff) were held to clarify the programming needs and refine the project through the iterative process.

The design addressed the committee’s project goals – the introduction of natural light into the deep floor plate, a range of space types available to all students within the department and faculty, and a student lounge that could become the heart of the department. PWWG’s design incorporates glazing in all exterior spaces to allow for natural light to reach deep into the inner floor plate. Central spaces without access to windows included borrowed lite and were programmed to be spaces that students wouldn’t be in for long periods of time. The lounge provides options for student meetings, relaxing, or focused work with custom-designed casework banquettes, flexible furniture, and benching locations.

Size

Partial 4th Floor

Construction Cost

$ 2.7 M

Firm Responsibility

Programming
Space Planning
Test-fits
Architectural Design
Furniture Selection
Contract Documents
Coordination of Construction
Contract Administration

Completion Date

2024