hanbury evans architects + planners – projects

Projects

2Tulane universiTy

3

Architecture can impart a sense of joy

and optimism to life. Our work is an

offering to that vitality where the lives of

others might be touched by the spaces

and forms we shape. Buildings that are

loved and endure, matter.

Hanbury evans Wright Vlattas + company is a national leader in the

planning and design of college and university facilities that build

community. We seek planning and design opportunities that make

significant impacts on campus fabric and quality of life for students.

our work on more than 145 campuses throughout the United states

and abroad celebrates the uniqueness of their geographic regions,

physical campuses, and student needs. our expertise includes:

» comprehensive master plans for major universities;

» Feasibility studies for specific renovation or new-build projects that

include planning, programming, and

cost estimating;

» Design of new facilities;

» renovation of existing facilities;

» experience with student life, co-curricular, and academic spaces.

oUr Design PHilosoPHy

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case stUDy 1

this University desired to transform an antiquated, 1930’s era building

into a vibrant, transparent, living-learning facility. over time, the residen-

tial college grew in response to student needs, encroaching on spaces

that were intended for other purposes, thereby impacting functionality.

the four-story, collegiate gothic structure had significant architectural

features and detailing worth saving and integrating into the new design.

Features such as limestone arches, lintels, copings, water tables, bay

windows and door frames, and key areas of fenestration that included

leaded glass windows gave the building a distinct identity. the design

team sought to create a physical environment that was more properly

aligned with the University’s vision and aspirations of the ideal residential

college experience, while retaining its historic character. the renovations

provide diverse and welcoming spaces for students that foster a strong

sense of community, while capitalizing on the University’s traditions and

values.

aesthetic project goals celebrate the culture of the community with the

integrated display of art, signs, and media, while re-using existing mate-

rials in inventive and integrated ways, and bringing natural light into the

interior through sensitive, cost-effective infill additions. another focus

was establishing clear way finding to guide students, staff, faculty and

visitors to primary activities and spaces. Materials and details are used

as a system to define nodes and major community spaces that orient

and connect people throughout the building.

University of Michiganeast QUaD resiDential college renoVation

liVe · learn · noUrisH · Play

Project start: janUary 2011Project coMPletion: aUgUst 2013constrUction cost: $85 MillionProject size: 297,544 sFnUMber oF resiDents: 850

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learning spaces were a focus of the program with a wide range of space

types including art studios, classrooms, music instruction, academic

study, and a full-scale theater. the design showcases the diversity of

people and programs throughout the residential college.

a significant component of the project involved correcting dining opera-

tion inefficiencies. through the appropriate positioning of spaces to bet-

ter suit the flow of food from “farm to kitchen,” and ultimately to the

servery and dining rooms, the servery was able to triple the number of

meals served in one day. the new servery features seven uniquely de-

signed exhibition-style food venues reflecting the vibrancy of the overall

dining experience. two adjoining dining halls feature a variety of seating

options, including multipurpose private dining rooms, traditional dining

venues, and built-in seating niches for intimate student groups and con-

versation. the café emporium is designed to enhance faculty and student

relationships for the residential college with its transparent connections

and opportunities for casual interaction, including special coffee hours for

international language tables.

in addition to the core residential and dining program, the renovation con-

tinues the historic role of on-campus residential colleges by integrating

exceptional academic and support spaces such as study spaces, student

lounges, student life offices, and various faculty and administration offic-

es, throughout the building. the renovation enhances both the efficiency

and the effectiveness of the facility, by streamlining operations and sup-

port features, and by infusing social and academic connections with a

sense of identity and belonging for the entire community. siTe Plan located in an urban community, the residential college has three courtyards that con-nect residents to the surrounding streets. The north courtyard is a primary circulation route connecting students to central campus through a portal ornately detailed in limestone. as a landscaped quad, the north courtyard connects residents and visitors directly to the main level at two angled corner entrances. The south courtyards are quieter and more residential in scale.

1 sculpture Court

2 north Portal entry

3 north Courtyard

4 Two-story atrium

5 entrances

6 service Dock

7 south Courtyard, east

8 south Courtyard, West

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N0 48’

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History & bUilDing eVolUtion

this residential college is

among the University’s “Heri-

tage” properties. its physi-

cal identity and character is

shaped by a brick and stone

collegiate gothic exterior. a

few key public spaces on

the first floor contribute to

the historic integrity of the

structure.

a major addition in 1946 dou-

bled the size of the residential

college but site utilities and

a courtyard infill addition in

1969 created functional and

circulation issues that were

addressed in the renovation.

two small additions in 2012

overcame these issues.

0 48’

Faced with an aging residential college from the 1930’s,

the University desired to transform an antiquated building

into a vibrant, more transparent, living-learning facility.

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circUlation cHallenges

as a building that grew over time, the residential college had multiple

entrances and stairways that did not connect all levels of the building,

resulting in circulation that was disorganized and difficult to navigate for

new residents and visitors. a primary project goal was establishing a

functional means to connect the building to foster clarity of way finding

among the variety of spaces and programs. Key features of the new

circulation pattern include modest infill additions at strategic locations.

a new atrium at the south edge of the north courtyard provides open

and visible connections between the two levels of program spaces and

brings light and activity to the north hallway. a minor addition above the

loading dock created space for a central dish wash room to serve both

dining rooms, while preserving circulation space within the open linear

servery. the infill at the community center is open and transparent, pro-

viding strong visual and physical connections among a variety of spaces.

FUnctional cHallenges

the design concept for the residential college celebrates the opportunity

to preserve historic fabric and integrate new, modern materials, finishes

and details to distinguish new spatial features.

before the renovation, classrooms and art studios in the lower level were

remote and non-functional, crammed into space originally intended as

storage for student luggage. the lack of basic amenities like accessible

bathrooms and natural light impacted the effectiveness of the learning

spaces. a primary project goal was to communicate the variety of pro-

grams offered in art, theater, language and social issues, to create syn-

ergies by bringing major program elements together, and provide well-

designed support space.

loWer level, noDe Diagram

FirsT level, noDe Diagram

major open Common space

spatial node

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Classrooms

offices

art studios

Theater

residential

support

Community lounges

Civic spaces

Dining & servery

Kitchen

loWer level

FirsT level

the space is designed strategically to

preserve heritage features, and provide

smooth transitions between the existing

building features and new infill.

PrograMMing

the renovation’s purpose was primarily to meet functional

program requirements of an ever-expanding residential col-

lege, while updating obsolete building systems. Vital to the

success of the design is the vision of a single community

with a central heart, synergies between programs, and the

sense of belonging for all residents, programs, and constitu-

ents associated with the residential college.

visible programs before the renovation, classrooms and

art studios in the lower level were remote and non-func-

tional. the design team created activity areas around art,

theater, language and social issues, improving program

visibility. grouping these program elements together was

achieved through modest infill additions in three locations,

allowing for wider, aligned corridors and new stairs.

Connections a central space bridges curricular and co-cur-

ricular programs. a new stair, adjacent to the café and the

main entrance connects students, staff, faculty and visitors

to classrooms, offices, the theater, and a main east-west

hallway, which leads to music and art.

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loWer level Floor Plan FirsT level Floor Plan

1 Ceramic studio

2 sculpture studio

3 Photography studio

4 Printmaking & Drawing studio

5 Critique lounge

6 scene shop

7 music instruction

8 Drama/green room

9 Classroom

10 Two-story atrium

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11 Keene Theater

12 Theater lobby

13 sculpture Court

14 Community lounge

15 Community Center

16 art gallery

17 Café

18 servery

19 Dining

20 north Courtyard

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DeFining sPaces: scUlPtUre coUrt

a new sunken sculpture court is defined by high walls. located off of the theater

lobby, the new open court brings ample natural light into the lower level and visu-

ally communicates the ‘signature’ of the programs through artwork. access to the

court from the lower level provides space for pre- and post-function theater gather-

ings. the sculpture court is used for exhibits by art faculty, while the theater lobby

doubles as rehearsal space.

sCulPTure CourT seCTion

1 lower level Private sculpture Court

2 street level Public sculpture Court

3 Community Center study/social Hub

4 new Façade

2

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1

the sculpture court’s new façade

allows for floor-to-ceiling glazing,

providing ample natural light deep

into the space.

BeFore

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DeFining sPaces: atriUM

over time, the north wall had doors removed and non-

compliant aDa ramps added. this small, two-story ad-

dition provides visitors and students with access to

academic spaces, which are now highly visible (day and

night), benefiting from natural light and synergies with

adjacent program spaces.

BeFore

BeFore

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transForMation: coMMUnity center

the community center is the hub of activity, and its central location ad-

jacent to primary entrances links numerous program and civic spaces

reinforcing the goal of a single community. an open and connected hall-

way links both sides of the residential college in a light-filled space with

comfortable seating. this lounge is the heart of the community and is

visible from the street, a welcome beacon at night. Highly flexible for

events hosted by the residential college, the space also is designed to

accommodate student move-ins. a feature wall on the west side of the

theater forms a backdrop visible from both inside and out, showcasing

special events and theatrical shows.

BeFore

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transForMation: art gallery

the art gallery, adjacent to a major public entrance, is designed with solid

and transparent walls for increased visibility and functional display. over

time, special art exhibit panels will transform the space into a white box

for a more intimate art experience. seating is desired for occasional art

classes and the casual visitor. technology supports a variety of uses such

as poetry readings, video screenings and special art program events. BeFore

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transForMation: caFé

transparent edges define open seating at a “gr-

ab-and-go” style café, which doubles as an after-

hours student lounge and performance space.

Designed for flexibility, one wall in the café pro-

vides speakers and technology for performances.

angled glass creates a transparent corner and vi-

sually links people with stairs to the lower level

classrooms, art studio and theater entrance. BeFore

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transForMation:

art stUDios

existing art studios developed slow-ly over time in spaces that were not originally intended for such use. While programming and designing the new art studio spaces, the de-sign team transformed existing spac-es into highly functional studios for each specific curriculum, providing for education, creation and comple-tion of art work. additionally, shared spaces, such as critique space and the digital media resource lab, allow for serendipitous meetings between students and faculty.

1 Ceramic studio

2 sculpture studio

3 Photography studio

4 Printmaking & Drawing studio

5 Faculty offices

6 Digital media resource

7 Critique lounge

8 scene shop

9 music instruction

10 music Practice rooms

11 Drama/green room

12 Two-story atrium

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BeFore

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transForMation: soUtH Dining

originally, each side of the building had its own

servery and dining rooms with a large, shared back-

of-house kitchen. the renovation allowed for direct

connections from each large dining room to an

open exhibition-style servery. every detail for food

service is integrated, from beverage stations to

special seating options for groups and individuals.BeFore

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the venues were designed

in a cohesive material pal-

ette, with details inspired by

proposed cuisine themes.

For example, the deli uses

butcher block and stainless

steel counters with large

glass coolers to display food.

the new

servery

features seven

uniquely

designed

exhibition-style

food venues

reflecting the

vibrancy of the

overall dining

experience.

27BeFore

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case stUDy 2

Faced with an aging inventory of residence halls, a university desired

to refresh its facilities to enhance building efficiencies and improve the

quality of the student residential experience. the intentional alignment

of the physical environment, with the vision and aspirations of the ideal

student experience, is achieved with the creation of spaces that increase

the probability of fostering peer relationships and engender a stronger

intellectual and social community.

Vibrant HUb the design team developed a program study for renovations in the c.

1949 residence hall, then designed interior renovations and infrastructure

improvements to transform the facility into a vibrant hub and neighbor-

hood link. rather than flat, dark institutional spaces, corridors are now

wide and populated with student activity. existing elevator and mechani-

cal shafts are transformed into media boxes to serve as information

and activity hubs as well as group study for the living-learning com-

munity. a technology rich, 24-hour learning center and living-learning

center offices, meeting spaces, art studios and music practice rooms

contribute to the intellectual community.

DiVerse coMMUnity the renovation of the residence hall includes the re-design of two lounges

dedicated to activism by under-represented groups. the design of both

the minority and multi-cultural lounges followed an inclusive and iterative

process with the university, students and stakeholders. the materials,

colors, shapes, quotes and words for each lounge reflect the identity and

mission for each, while expressing the values of diversity and inclusivity.

renoVation is innoVation

University of Michiganalice lloyD Hall renoVations

Project start: noVeMber 2008Project coMPletion: aUgUst 2012constrUction cost: $43.9 MillionProject size: 81,124 sFnUMber oF resiDents: 540

30

CirCulaTion Diagram

a Vibrant HUb & linK For tHe neigHborHooDthe design team analyzed the impact of a new centralized dining hall

for a university “neighborhood,” on an aged residence hall, c. 1949, that

accommodates two living-learning communities. the team considered

how the existing building was succeeding or failing to address the needs

of 21st century students.

the newly envisioned public spaces transformed the use and character of

the public floors, with wide open corridors populated with student activ-

ity and a pathway that connects major building entrances between floors.

beFore

aFter

siTe Plan 0’n 200’

BuilDing & siTe CirCulaTion

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the living room is positioned to capture

students returning from the dining center.

With large sliding glass doors, it creates a

warm, welcoming, and comfortable social

room flowing into main circulation path.

33BeFore

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a liVing & learning coMMUnity

Key program spaces have entrances off of the main pathway

of each floor. these include a 24-hour lounge, game room,

lounge-style classrooms, a “living room,” small group study

spaces, commuity center offices, the community center/

front desk, computer lab, yoga studio, art studio, display gal-

lery space, laundry, music practice rooms, and a large multi-

purpose meeting room. the use of technology and social

media to build community was key to the design concept.

Key program spaces have entrances off the

main pathway of the floors shown here.

technology was key to the design concept.

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FirsT level Plan

loWer level Plan

1 living room

2 group study room

3 media Box

4 open lounge (2-story)

5 meeting room

6 enclosed fire-rated central stair

7 Community Ctr

8 Community Ctr offices

9 Huddle room

10 resource room

11 open lounge

12 Community learning CTr

13 Window seats

14 main entrance

15 student aPT

16 restroom

17 open stair

18 movement studio (2-story)

19 game lounge

20 music Practice room

21 laundry

22 light Well & Bench seating

23 art studio

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1920

20

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318

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0’N 32’

seConD level Plan

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144377

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a multi-cultural lounge celebrates the heritage of local native americans, the anishinaabe.

Community Program

vertical Circulation

multi-cultural lounge

living/learning Program

support

residential

Hall Director/ visitor scholar apartment

Program Diagram

group study room, open seating, and niche seating at the media Box provide a variety of study and socializing options.

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a connecteD coMMUnity

a two-story opening connects two floors and fills the center of the

building with natural light. a customized chandelier defines the dramatic

height of the lounge, while comfortable seating, upstairs and down, en-

courages meeting, interaction and lingering. the two-story open lounge,

along the main circulation path, features aperture windows that provide

a visual connection to traffic on the enclosed fire-rated central stair.

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1 two-story open lounge

2 main circulation path

3 multi-culture lounge

4 Community Center

5 Community Center offices

6 exterior path connecting to dinning center

2

2

64 5

3

1

0’ 9’

seCTion THorugH TWo-sTory oPen lounge

BeFore BeFore

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a two-story opening

visually connects floors

and brings natural light

into the center of the

building. in the open

lounges on both floors,

comfortable seating

encourages meeting,

interaction, and lingering.

41BeFore

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a two-story movement studio is a unique space

for the community. natural light floods the

basement level through windows and glazing

partitions on the upper floor. a stairway creates

visible connections to creative spaces.

2

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5

3

1

0’ 9’

1 2-story movement studio

2 main circulation path and window seat

3 visiting scholar’s apt

4 open stair connecting to lower level

5 exterior path

6 Field

seCTion THrougH TWo-sTory movemenT sTuDio

BeFore

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a new light well allows natural light into the

basement. the textured wall, potted plants and

warm wooden bench create a vibrant hub adja-

cent to an open game room and laundry room.

seCTion THrougH living room anD game lounge

BeFore

2

6

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5 5

3

3

1

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1 living room

2 game lounge

3 main circulation path

4 new light well and bench seating

5 student apartment

6 exterior path

7 Field

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lounge honoring native american culture, after renovation.

a DiVerse coMMUnity

renovation included the re-design of two lounges dedicated to activism

by under-represented groups. the design of both spaces followed an in-

clusive and iterative process with the University, students, and stake-

holders. Materials, colors, shapes, quotes, and words reflect the identity

and mission for each lounge, while expressing the values of diversity

and inclusivity. this lounge celebrates the contemporary presence of na-

tive american culture. colors associated with cardinal directions and sa-

cred power for the anishinaabe culture are applied to selected surfaces

at different orientations. corresponding text gives the space symbolic

meaning. the west wall serves as a gallery wall for paintings of native

american artists. Display cases are incorporated for three-dimensional

artifacts, and provide visual connection between inside and out. three

circle patterns in the carpet represent the three major tribes in anishi-

naabe culture.

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second floor entry lobby with open lounge seating and visual connec-tion to lounge through display cases and aperture windows.

Materials, colors, shapes,

quotes, and words reflect

the identity and mission

for each lounge, while

expressing the values of

diversity and inclusivity.

this lounge is designed to reflect and promote

“unity,” the meaning of “umoja” in the swa-

hili language. adjacent to the two-story space

in the central area, the lounge has high level

of transparency. the east and south walls are

graphic walls with counters, display cases, and

digital screens integrated as compositional and

functional elements. Four color strips repre-

senting Hispanic americans, african americans,

asian americans and native americans are ap-

plied on the south wall, creating a colorful and

vibrant environment that celebrates “unity”

among student minority groups.

BeFore

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case stUDy 3

Faced with meeting demand for growing enrollment, the University of

north carolina greensboro proposed two scenarios for student housing:

raise the seven buildings on its 90-year-old historic Quad, rebuilding on

the site and adding capacity, or renovate the existing buildings and build

a new residence hall somewhere else on campus. concerns expressed

by alumni, many of whom recalled special moments on the Quad, and

local preservationists, resulted in a study and a University decision to

renovate the buildings, originally constructed between 1919 and 1923.

the seven residence halls were identified in the campus master plan as

having significant architectural character. the project includes creation of

living-learning communities.

Designers re-imagined the Quad to revitalize and promote communi-

ty and to honor the campus master plan’s intent to capitalize on the

Quad’s proximity to an important campus axis. this involved carving a

hole through the center of the main building, shaw Hall, to create a

direct connection, or portal, from the main campus through the Quad,

while retaining the building’s historic columns and portico. shaw’s new

large plaza and seating walls overlook the Quad’s green space, which

was redesigned to encourage activity. one crisp autumn day saw a Fris-

bee game on one green, flag football on another, while small groups of

students sat conversing in the grass on a third green. small lounges in

the “hyphen” above the portal enjoy views toward the green or back

toward campus.

greater Use

University of north carolina, greensboroHistoric QUaD renoVation

Project start: noVeMber 2009Project coMPletion: jUly 2012constrUction cost: $55 MillionProject size: 225,307 sFnUMber oF resiDents: 600

48

an upper lounge in shaw enjoys views of activity in the updated green.

neW siTe Plan

site anD conteXt

the quad consists of seven residential buildings. shaw Hall is at the top

of the green, with six other halls lining the perimeter. a new landscape

plan eliminates the criss-crossed sidewalks that rendered the green

space unusable and creates three greens, each large enough to accom-

modate a touch football or Frisbee game. shaw’s new plaza, and revital-

ized parlors and entries with exterior seating walls for the other buildings,

help revitalize the Quad community. the quad now accommodates 600

student beds in 224,307 square feet.

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living-learning programs are headquartered in shaw, complete with fac-

ulty office, offices for housing and residence life staff and group study

rooms. two seminar rooms were added, each a two-story volume, pro-

viding much-needed campus classroom space. shaw’s multi-purpose

room, which looks out to the student center, and a game lounge, serve

the entire community. Double rooms were converted into one- and two-

bedroom semi-suites with a shared bath throughout the Quad to accom-

modate 600 total student beds in 224,307 gross square feet. shaw also

contains a two-bedroom faculty or staff apartment. each of the other six

buildings’ main entrances reorient to the Quad green to activate patios,

also enlivened with seating walls. Parlors in these buildings, formerly

one-story spaces, are now two-story volumes with a clerestory of glass

providing natural light. alumni who fought passionately for the project

agreed to raise $1 million toward the project’s $55.5-million total price

tag for the signature parlors. these six halls also received new lounges

and study areas. three of the seven halls accommodate staff apartments.

renovation included installation of new HVac systems, plumbing sys-

tems, electric systems, fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems in

each building, and wireless internet access throughout. the project is

Usgbc leeD® gold. new elevators and walkways make the buildings

handicap accessible.

siTe Plan BeFore

N0 60’

N0 60’

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sHaW Hall

a new open portal connects the Quad to cam-

pus and creates opportunities for glazed loung-

es in the “hyphen.” in all buildings, traditional

rooms were reconfigured as one- and two-bed-

room semi-suites with shared baths.

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sHaW’s CamPus “FaCe” BeFore BarreD QuaD aCCesssHaW Hall, CirCa. 1922.

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QUaD renoVations

Most significant for the other halls—bailey,coit, cotten, gray, Hinshaw

and jamison—was the reimagining of their signature parlors. a former

one-story space becomes a two-story volume with a clerestory. they

become beacons for each community on the Quad green.

outoor “porches” with seating walls welcome spectators for casual

sports competitions and relocate the residence halls’ primary entrances

onto the Quad green.BeFore

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Parlors like the one pictured above are now two stories and light

and bright. each community is identified by a color scheme.

BeFore

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shaw Hall is the

living-learning

community

headquarters and

accommodates

group study rooms,

a faculty office,

and two seminar/

classrooms with

light-filled two-

story volumes.

FirsT Floor Plan

Faculty apartment

single occupancy rooms

Double occupancy rooms

staff offices

Common spaces

Kitchen/service

Classroom/group study

CirculationN0 16’

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case stUDy 4

sewanee’s smith Hall fosters a vital community living experience and

creates a strong connection to the campus core. the first project of the

2011 campus Master Plan (also designed by Hanbury evans), smith Hall

accommodates 90 first- and second-year students in single and double

occupancy configurations. the building is ideally situated to create a clear

link to the heart of campus, while engaging an existing 100-year-old resi-

dence hall by way of a new social plaza.

the design of smith Hall is centered on exquisite craftsmanship, where

detail and materiality are essential to the building’s composition. Featur-

ing materials indigenous to the region, heavy timber columns, beams

and flooring are locally harvested on the University’s land and provide

a warm contrast to the exterior stone walls, quarried from the nearby

cumberland Plateau.

showcasing student life and providing long vistas from key vantage

points influenced smith Hall’s massing and form. this was accomplished

by shaping outdoor spaces for study and social engagement, and by in-

cluding areas with a high degree of transparency. a three-story glass

hyphen connects two residential wings and serves as the social heart

of smith Hall. a standalone chimney with hearth anchors this nexus and

helps organize student activity. the staggered positions of the residential

wings more clearly define the entry and help frame the social plaza and

outdoor fire pit where students often study and socialize.

smith Hall utilizes the University’s sustainability initiatives and employs

regional materials, 100 percent leD lighting, storm water retention, bio-

swales, and sophisticated energy efficient mechanical systems. the lob-

bies are equipped with digital monitors that display real-time energy-use

data, raising student awareness of energy consumption and correspond-

ing impacts on the environment.

sewanee: the University of the soUthsMitH Hall

HeartH & HoMe

Project start: noVeMber 2011Project coMPletion: aUgUst 2013constrUction cost: $7.6 MillionProject size: 31,700 sFnUMber oF resiDents: 90

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seConD Floor Plan THirD Floor Plan

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NsiTe & FirsT Floor Plan

south carolina avenue

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smith Hall is a living-learning residence serving 90 students

and a resident advisor. the building is comprised of two asym-

metrical residential wings connected by a three story glass

hyphen. the hyphen is the heart of the residential community

where students gather for events, lectures, study sessions, or

simply relax by the fire. the placement and massing of smith

Hall was carefully coordinated with two existing three-story

buildings that neighbor the site. the axial relationship to the

historic quad including key vistas to Walsh-ellett Hall (c.1895)

and all saints chapel’s (c.1904) were essential to the siting of

smith Hall.

smith hAll wAlsh-ellett hAll All sAiNts ChAPelA B C

N0’ 200’

12 laundry

13 study

14 student room double

15 student room single

16 bathroom/showers

17 recycling station

18 fire pit

19 bioswale

20 balcony

21 living room/study lounge

22 historic stone wall, c.1880

23 south entry

sewanee’s smith

Hall fosters a vital

community living

experience and

creates a strong

connection to the

campus core.

1 east entry plaza

west entry plaza

2 lobby

3 living room & fireplace

4 main entry stair

5 seminar

6 community kitchen

7 built-in seating

8 staff apartment

9 bike storage

10 mechanical

11 elevator lobby

1a

1b

histORiC CORe

C

BA

60

craFtsMansHiP & syMbolisM

For sewanee alumni, the motto, ecce Quam bonum (“behold, How

good!”), and the sewanee shield are the University’s two most sacred

pieces of symbolism. Hanbury evans worked closely with craftsmen eric

tietz and andrew baccon to create a shield using 21st century digital

technology and machinery. the solid mahogany shield, which adorns the

top of the living room’s two-story chimney, was fabricated using a cnc

orbital routing machine. a digital template for the limestone mantel was

used by the master stone mason in order to carve the University motto.

these components are, in turn highlighted by a state-of-the-art leD light-

ing system.

Tietz-Baccon Design studio, long island City, ny

Digital drawing of sewanee shield with all detail calculated.

CnC orbital routing machine engraves sewanee shield.

state-of-the-art software predicts the physical output.

63

a three-story glass hyphen connects two resi-

dential wings and serves as the social heart of

smith Hall. a standalone chimney with hearth

anchors this nexus and helps organize student

activity. the staggered positions of the residen-

tial wings more clearly define the entry and

help frame the social plaza and outdoor fire pit

where students often study and socialize.

the indoor fireplace and

outdoor stone fire pit are the

social and architectural anchor

points to the overall design.

65

case stUDy 5

this hall is a model living-learning community for 269 sophomore honor

students and a faculty resident director that reflects the University’s goals

and aspirations. this new orleans university was dealt a major blow by

Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Days before, equipment was positioned to

drive piles for this student residence hall. the project went on hold while

the University repaired damage and created a renewal plan. While the

project “slept,” construction codes changed in response to Katrina, and

sustainable building materials advanced. Designers responded to the

challenges, breaking ground in 2009 to finish in 2011. the result is a pre-

cise program within a finely crafted building that maximizes efficiencies.

the hall functions as part of a main campus entry. the design, which

builds upon new orleans vernacular of private courtyards and second-

story porches, stems from a strong program model and massing that

responds to an internal program of clearly defined communities and

external neighborhood influences. the faculty residence and director’s

apartment locations, along with the placement of social lounges at three

primary corners, provide a strong organizational concept. the location

and scale of the faculty residence mediates between the campus and an

adjacent neighborhood of historic homes.

articulated courtyard spaces respond to solar orientation and air move-

ment. a preserved live oak acts as a defining courtyard element provid-

ing significant shade. sunshades on large sections of curtain wall mini-

mize solar heat gain in social and study lounges, yet allow ample natural

light. the project has earned leeD® gold.

tUlane UniversityWeatHerHeaD Hall

Porters loDge reVisiteD

Project start: aUgUst 2003Project coMPletion: jUly 2011constrUction cost: $18 MillionProject size: 80,747 sFnUMber oF resiDents: 272

66

conteXt

a plan to revitalize residential life on campus created an “activity spine,”

engaging critical spaces such as the student union, library, coffee shops

and student residences. this plan was refined and renewed post-Katrina.

(Weatherhead Hall site in green, plan projects in dark gray.)

the campus has a constrained footprint. the challenge was to accommo-

date a high-density project on a campus edge adjacent to a neighborhood

of stately homes. the university worked closely with neighbors on issues

related to sight lines, scale, points of transition and density. this design

honors neighbors’ privacy, focusing light and noise toward campus.

site & Floor Plans

this living-learning residence serves 269 students, residence advisors

and a professor in residence in a design that supports defined student

communities. it is comprised of two wings organized around central

courtyards and connected by a two-story exterior walkway. Project mass-

ing (four stories in one section, five stories in another) responds to the

internal program and external neighborhood influences. the scale of the

faculty residence responds to the single-family homes in the adjacent

neighborhood.

0’ 500’n

67

1 Public entry Court

2 lobby: Front Desk / stair

3 seminar

4 main lounge

5 game room

6 mechanical support

7 resident Director apartment

8 Private student Court

9 Faculty Court

10 Faculty residence

11 library

12 Quiet study

13 Faculty office

14 Typical Double semi suite

15 lounge

16 Kitchen/ laundry

17 ra room

FirsT Floor + siTe Plan

seConD Floor Plan TyPiCal Floor Plan

0 50’

n

25’

Willo

W s

Tr

ee

T

Third and fourth floors are identical.

only Wing a has five

stories.

68

caMPUs iDentity & sense oF Place

as the anchor of Warren Quad, it was important to find a material palette

for Weatherhead that would mediate in all directions, respecting neigh-

bors, yet establishing its own identity. neighbors included a historic red

brick building, one with exposed aggregate concrete, one with terra-cot-

ta, and another in soft pink brick. the selection of st. joe brick, a regional

soft red brick with a range of color and manganese spots, was a key

design decision to achieve harmony. Details, such as sunshades and cop-

per trim, help it fit seamlessly with adjoining buildings of diverse age and

style. tulane capitalizes on indigenous plant species, including revered

live oak trees. the private courtyard’s lush native plants receive natural

breezes through a porous garden wall, a common new orleans motif.

71

open spaces are cooled by prevailing breezes.

Two wings, which step down in scale, are joined by a two-story connector. The wings share the private garden.

arcHitectUral Heritage: tHe neW orleans garDen

the form of Weatherhead Hall responds to its culture and environment, a hot,

humid climate that requires open spaces to be cooled by prevailing breezes. the

exterior and interior courtyards and the second-story connector reference new

orleans’ typology of intimate courtyards and two-story porches. the building con-

cept extends the courtyard concept to the interior of the building, creating a pri-

vate natural shade court for the student community, and a landscape responsive

to new orleans courtyard traditions.

72

FiltereD ligHt anD transParent social noDes

the main entry sequence, defined by corner glass lounges and a pre-

served life oak, breathes new life into the quad, now highly activated

by pedestrian traffic. a combination of exterior sunshades and interior

plantation shutters minimize solar heat gain, while washing the spaces

in natural light

73

1

2

34

5

1 Horizontal louver sunshade

2 low ‘e’ argon filled curtain wall glazing

3 vertical louver sunshade

4 Post-tensioned concrete slab

5 sliding wood shutter system

74

circUlation & connectiVity

circulation is managed through a secure front entry and interior stairs that

exit to the second-story connector.

Weatherhead’s public and private zones are clearly defined. the two-story

open-air connector delineates the public entry courtyard from the private

courtyard and functions as a place for social interaction and study. the con-

nector gestures to the new orleans porch/balcony and directs circulation.

75

Pr

iva

Te

Co

ur

Ty

ar

D

Pu

Bl

iC C

ou

rT

ya

rD

12

3

5

4 6

1 flat seam copper roof

2 continuous stainless steel trough

3 stainless steel cable railing system

4 steel pipe column

5 permeable concrete paver system

6 vegetation screen wall

12

3

4

5

6

76

a seating area in the formal lounge captures pleasant outdoor views.

The integrated front desk and stair link to the open-air two story connector.

stUDent liFe anD sUPPort serVices

Hanbury evans worked with tulane to define a precise program, leverag-

ing the sociology of spaces. Placement of the faculty residence and the

director’s apartment locations, along with placement of social lounges at

three primary corners, provide a strong organizational concept. a variety

of group study spaces are well utilized, and the seminar room is maxi-

mized for formal academics and informal study.

77

a popular feature is a variety of small lounges that multi-task for study, laundry and food preparation.

a seating area in the formal lounge captures pleasant outdoor views.

views tie inside to outside, and the front desk welcomes students home.

79

toWn/goWn relationsHiP anD FacUlty resiDence

the uptown campus of tulane University is on a very constrained foot-

print. the challenge was to accommodate a high-density project on a

campus edge adjacent to a neighborhood of stately homes and make it

feel like an extension of historic audubon boulevard.

the street-front entrance and two-story height of the faculty residence

extends the neighborhood’s pattern language to campus (bottom left)

and the light-filled faculty residence is inviting to the student community

(top left). there is a first-floor classroom that connects to the faculty resi-

dence through a shared courtyard (below).

81

virginia coMMonwealth UniversitycaMPUs Master Plan

Urban reVitalization

Project start: May 2003Project coMPletion: aUgUst 2004Project size: 140 acresstUDent PoPUlation: 22,800

case stUDy 6

Virginia commonwealth University desired a campus master plan that

would capture three outcomes: enhance the student experience, provide

infrastructure for a significant national research institution, and balance

the needs of two campuses. the plan was driven by enrollment stress-

es—in recent years, VcU’s Monroe Park and McV campuses absorbed

approximately one-third of the growth of Virginia’s college-age popula-

tion—and phenomenal growth in research funding. the University’s loca-

tion in the heart of downtown richmond, Va., exacerbates these pres-

sures. its campuses are tightly constrained on two footprints, including

one that is bounded by five historic districts. because there is virtually

no land on which expand, development is focused on infill and targeted

acquisition in “areas of future consideration.” VcU engaged the commu-

nity to enhance opportunities for all citizens, being sensitive to overlaying

campus planning with urban planning.

integrateD Planning Processes VcU embraced its urban environment and challenges in a 1996 plan to

transform VcU and Virginia’s capitol city. VcU 2020 builds on the ‘96 plan

to organize and further develop the school’s physical environment to

help it mature as an institution, support enrollment growth, contribute

to its reputation as a national research institution, and its role as a lead-

ing “citizen.” VcU 2020 adopted themes to evaluate issues systemically,

thus supporting its strategic Vision. these included the impact of growth

on student enrollment, student profile, on-campus housing, funded re-

search; and the study of academic spaces on the health sciences cam-

pus; coordination of major initiatives; “collegiate community” – student

engagement; Monroe Park as a center of activity; and strategic growth

issues.

themes were coordinated with the Health system strategic and Master

Plan, richmond’s master plan, and the Virginia biotechnology research

Park Master Plan.

iMPleMentation as a public institution, VcU has sought creative

solutions to access debt issued by the com-

monwealth of Virginia, solicit private funds,

maximize public/private partnerships, and uti-

lize enrollment growth income to implement

2.8 million square feet of projects worth $800

million. this strategy allowed development of

signature programs, innovative housing solu-

tions, and enhancement of the campus edge

through facilities that attract the public and

business community.

82

vCu Buildings

vCu Buildings: new Construction

non vCu Buildings

virginia Biotechnology research Park Buildings

virginia Biotechnology research Park Buildings: new Construction

area of Future Consideration

monroe ParK CamPus illusTraTive Plan

N

83

vCu Buildings

vCu Buildings: new Construction

non vCu Buildings


virginia Biotechnology research Park Buildings: new Construction

area of Future Consideration

mCv CamPus illusTraTive Plan

N

84

VCU

W. BROAD STREET

W. GRACE STREET

MARSHALL STREET

BELV

IDER

E ST

REET

W. CARY STREET

FLOYD AVENUE

PARK AVENUE

W. FRANKLIN STREET

CLAY STREET

CATHERINE STREET

LEIGH STREET

MO

NROE

STRE

ET

HENRY

STR

EET

PINE

STRE

ET

LAURE

L ST

REET

SHAFE

R ST

REET

HARRIS

ON S

TREE

T

RYLA

ND AVEN

UE

LOM

BARDY STR

EET

CH

ERRY

STR

EET

LIN

DEN

STR

EET

HANCOCK

STRE

ET

HANCOCK S

TREE

T

BRU

NSW

ICK

STRE

ET

MO

RRIS

STR

EET

GROVE AVENUE

W. MAIN STREET

BEL

VID

ERE

STRE

ET

15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

20

21

23

22

24

25

vCu implemented Projects and initiatives

vCu owned/occupied Buildings and Future Proposed structures per masterplan

monroe ParK CamPus imPlemenTaTeD ProjeCTs anD iniTiaTives

N

85

1 area of Future Consideration Complete

2 administrative information Technology Facility Complete

3 area of Future Consideration Partially Complete

4 Bio medical engineering - school of medicine Complete

5 rhoades Hall renovation - student Housing Complete

6 Franklin Terrace - school of The arts Complete

7 shafer Court Playhouse renovation Complete

8 ginter House renovation Complete

9 Hibbs Building renovation Complete

10 scott House renovation Complete

11 Pollack Building renovation Complete

12 music Center renovation Complete

13 new general Classrooms / Faculty offices in Planning

14 james Branch Cabell library renovation Complete

15 school of Business Classroom renovation Partially Complete

16 oliver Hall renovation Complete

17 new recreation sports Facilities under Construction

18 Cary street gym renovation under Construction

19 Bio Chip Facility Complete

20 school of engineering addition Phase 2 Complete

21 new school of Business Complete

22 new Parking Facility Complete

23 student Housing, 400 Beds Complete

24 anderson gallery relocation in Planning

25 Belting Building renovation Complete

iMPleMentation: Monroe ParK caMPUs aDDition

an example is transformation of an under-developed 10.6-acre tract

of land into a thriving campus community on the Monroe Park cam-

pus. this created an opportunity to capitalize on programmatic and

physical synergies between the schools of engineering and busi-

ness, supported by quality campus housing, which reinforces aca-

demic endeavors. Public debt was utilized for instructional and infra-

structure development, private and corporate donations for public

venues and enhanced material quality; and fee revenues to support

housing, food service and parking debt.

a 10.6-acre expansion (below) into an under-developed area of the city created an opportunity to capitalize on synergies between the schools of engineering and Business in this new building (above).

The monroe Park Campus addition allows room to influence university priorities on many fronts: recruiting, research, student services, food service, housing and neighborhood relations.

86

vCu implemented Projects and initiatives

vCu owned/occupied Buildings and Future Proposed structures per masterplan


mCv CamPus imPlemenTaTeD ProjeCTs anD iniTiaTives

N

NAVY HIL

L DRIV

E

JACKSON STREET

7TH S

TREE

T

8TH S

TREE

T

TURPIN STREET

LEIGH STREET

9TH S

TREE

T

10TH

STR

EET

11TH

STR

EET

DU

VAL STREET

12TH

STR

EET

CLAY STREET

MARSHALL STREET

BROAD STREET

COLL

EGE

STREE

T

VCU OWNED/OCCUPIED BUILDINGS AND FUTURE PROPOSED STRUCTURES PER MASTERPLAN

VIRGINIA BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PARK BUILDINGS

VCU IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

1

1. NEW 8TH STREET PARKING DECK COMPLETE2. NEW RESIDENTIAL LIFE COMMONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION3. NEW SCHOOL OF NURSING COMPLETE4. SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ADDITION UNDER CONSTRUCTION5. WOODS/LYONS RENOVATION COMPLETE6. MCGUIRE HALL RENOVATION COMPLETE7. RICHMOND ACADEMY OF MEDICINE ACQUISITION COMPLETE8. TOMPKINS-MCCAW RENOVATION COMPLETE9. BLACKWELL-SMITH RENOVATION IN PLANNING10. NEW VCUHS BED TOWER COMPLETE11. LAND ACQUISITION COMPLETE12. SANGER HALL RESEARCH RENOVATION UNDER CONSTRUCTION13. HUNTON HALL RENOVATION COMPLETE14. NEW SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN PLANNING15. MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING II UNDER CONSTRUCTION16. RANDOLPH MINOR HALL RENOVATION COMPLETE17. LAND ACQUISITION COMPLETE

NIMPLEMENTED PROJECTS AND INIT IATIVESMCV CAMPUS

2

3

4

5

6

78

9

1011

1213 14

15

16

17

87

1 new 8th street Parking Deck Complete

2 new residential life Commons under Construction

3 new school of nursing Complete

4 school of Dentistry addition under Construction

5 Woods/lyons renovation Complete

6 mcguire Hall renovation Complete

7 richmond academy of medicine acquisition Complete

8 Tompkins-mccaw renovation Complete

9 Blackwell-smith renovation in Planning

10 new vCuHs Bed Tower Complete

11 land acquisition Complete

12 sanger Hall research renovation under Construction

13 Hunton Hall renovation Complete

14 new school of medicine in Planning

15 medical sciences Building ii under Construction

16 randolph minor Hall renovation Complete

17 land acquisition Complete

iMPleMentation: McV caMPUs

on the McV campus, VcU capitalized on Virginia’s priori-

ties to implement projects. For example, Virginia’s need

for more physicians underlies access to $70 million in

public debt for construction of a new school of Medicine,

now in planning. this signature facility will be built on the

site of a WPa-era clinic, requiring close coordination with

civic and preservation interests.

88

resUlts

VcU is a concrete example of ‘university as an urban regenerator and good neighbor’ in a diverse

urban context. its identity and sense of place is in its ‘urbanness,’ its preserved historic resources

that reflect surrounding neighborhoods of high architectural and urban quality, its patience in as-

sembling land parcels opportunistically to create thoughtful infill, and its ability to tie the complex

web together with streetscapes, paving and graphic information to communicate this complex

circumstance. success can be measured in a burgeoning student body, an enhanced student ex-

perience, and the creation of campus entries that cause the institution’s boundaries to be a seam,

not a barrier. two significant outcomes are continued expansion on broad street, populating it with

activity and retail, and a partnership with richmond to renovate Monroe Park as the academic

campus heart. this formerly neglected yet prominent civic space will provide a campus green and

public space for use by students and citizens. Key partnerships, integrated planning, and engage-

ment with the host community were critical to creating responses and opportunities. VcU is a

textbook case that planners cannot talk to enough people, and that you have to move quickly.

89

Master plan success can be measured in an

enhanced student experience, represented by

new housing, Monroe Park campus residences

(above) and brandt Hall, a highrise (right).

90

Five most important issues that drove decision-making

the Monroe Park campus occupies or abuts

several historic districts. they are diverse so-

cioeconomic districts. While providing a rich

architectural context, their status also presents

constraints, as well as challenges to preserve,

renovate or adapt. VcU 2020 embraces its his-

toric resources as part of its unique campus fab-

ric, working with appropriate historic resource

commissions and neighborhoods when making

decisions about their future. Much attention

was paid to the appropriateness of the design

response while incorporating and adapting his-

toric properties. VcU’s partnership with rich-

mond to renovate historic Monroe Park serves

civic and campus objectives and represents a

successful outcome.

a new addition to the former grove avenue Baptist Church is sympathetic to the building’s historic roots, now housing vCu’s james W. Black music Center.

1 Historic resoUrce issUes

91

buildings that “multi-task” and districts that

accommodate academic needs along with

basic necessities such as housing and dining

make VcU a unique urban experience, far dif-

ferent from a pastoral campus setting. this rich

texture creates dynamism—and it is efficient

when land is tight. For example, a Foundation

arts program on the top of one parking garage,

a bookstore and visitor center on the first floor

of a second, and a former church now student

center and dining, create vitality. ground level

retail in new residence halls not only serves

residents, but draws community. shared aca-

demic spaces capitalize on synergies.

2 MiXeD Uses

92

this plan enhances VcU’s open space and pedestrian experience. the

Monroe Park campus addition, organized around traditional quadrangles

that anchor its most dynamic programs, and utilization of a city park as a

campus gateway, create a positive experience for students and commu-

nity. the McV campus, also challenged by traffic flow and open space,

benefits from a connecting a network of diagonal courtyards and a “Past

to Future Walkway” among its historic and research properties. addition-

ally, design standards, with a district sensitivity to scale help a large, ur-

ban university feel small and connected.

a dramatic scheme of connecting diagonal courtyards opens pleasant gathering spaces on the dense medical campus.

3 oPen sPace anD PeDestrian circUlation

93

vCu’s shafer Court Dining Center was set back from the corner to create a lively plaza.

94

a major goal is the maturation of VcU from a

commuter to a residential campus. since 2004,

almost 1,100 student housing beds have been

added; the most recent residential community is

a place where upper-class students in business

and engineering can live, work, study and dine

in an environment that reinforces academic en-

deavors. the student commons was renovated,

and shafer court Dining center opened, break-

ing sales and dining records and indicating de-

mand for on-campus amenities. new recreation

facilities are under construction. streetscape

and open-space improvements reinforce the

growing high-quality campus environment. Fu-

ture plans include an information commons.

shafer Court has transformed campus dining. a town-gown initiative includes inviting local ethnic restaurants as occasional “guests” to serve from one of the food court stations. This is a hit with vCu’s diverse student body.

4 stUDent liFe anD sUPPort serVices

95

a community concert on monroe Park grounds encouraged students and citizens to vote in the Presidential election.

vCu’s outreach programs generated the vCu youth Center as an active engagement with inner city youths and a positive benefit to campus.

VcU has worked diligently to engage with its

host community to achieve mutually beneficial

results, and with much success. Key to building

consensus for this plan was the involvement of

neighborhood organizations, particularly in the

historic districts, as well as work with city agen-

cies on the continued expansion of broad street,

replacing empty car lots with activity and retail.

the city/university partnership to renovate Mon-

roe Park as the academic campus heart will pro-

vide a prominent civic space for the enjoyment

of all citizens. other outreach programs, such

as one involving inner city children using VcU’s

youth center, are positive benefits.

5 toWn/goWn relationsHiPsstUDent liFe anD sUPPort serVices

jane caDy WrigHt, Faia, leeD aP bUDDy Hall, [email protected] [email protected] 757.321.9645

hanbury evans architects + planners – projects

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