SMARTER PLACES
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Living Classrooms Foundation Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Education Center Baltimore, Maryland
places of learning design makes the difference Every year, thousands of prospective college students and their parents flood campuses around the country, searching for a place that accomplishes a variety of goals. They seek tradition, integrity and awe — qualities that are captured in the architecture, on the lawns and in the classrooms of every great institution. They seek security, convenience and comfort — assets achieved with well-planned, user-friendly environments that form logical connections to housing, academic buildings and amenities. They seek the innovation, technological sophistication and academic collaboration found with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, readily accessible and highly integrated information, and interactive physical spaces. And finally, they look for places where they can carve a piece for themselves and become an integral part of a community. For colleges and universities, the task of attracting these students is a considerable one. Increasing competition and dwindling endowments are just two of the issues facing these institutions as they strive to bolster their reputations by retaining talented faculty and students. But design helps to make the difference. By providing everything from impressive architecture to cutting-edge facilities to green, town-square-like settings to comfortable and inspiring places to live, work and play, great architecture has the power to maximize the academic experience.
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Bancroft Hall U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland
tradition vs. innovation Educational institutions are usually rooted in many years
On the other hand, these days, quality of education is often
of academic tradition. The preservation of the quality of
measured in terms of the technological sophistication of the
education as well as the overall academic experience
research facilities, the ability of the faculty to deliver the latest
and aesthetics of the campus is an integral tool used by
tools and methods, and the degree to which students have
universities for recruitment and capital campaign. Alumni
access to extensive information quickly and easily. Meeting
returning to their alma mater expect to encounter the same
these expectations means finding a good balance between
integrity and quality of experience they once had — and will
tradition and innovation. Creating new facilities that both
be more likely to invest in the future of the institution if they
capture the original spirit and mission of the institution and
find it.
reveal a commitment to growth and modernization requires integrated and thoughtful architecture.
designing for the future, without losing sight of the past
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Addison Circle Addison, Texas
creating a sense of place Whether it includes manicured lawns and colonial buildings,
But more than meeting needs of the present, planning is
or urban squares and modern architecture, master planning
about the future. Master plans help colleges to manage their
is the key ingredient of a campus: a holistic environment that
assets by offering a framework for future growth. They foster
reflects a school’s character and creates a sense of place.
symbiotic and logical relationships among dormitories, student
Transcending the walls of buildings, master planning and
centers, libraries, gymnasiums and academic buildings for
the principles of urban design explore the spaces between
decades to come. Like cities, campuses grow organically
the buildings. They take empty spaces and infuse them with
over time — but require good planning in order to grow
vibrancy and personality. And they create convenient, safe
successfully.
and inviting places for a range of uses, including meeting with friends, studying alone, or enjoying leisure activities.
planning for the future
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Masterplan Baltimore, Maryland
express academic mission At its core, an educational institution has a responsibility to
One way to achieve this is to make planning and design
provide opportunity. Where that opportunity lies is dictated
decisions based on the input of the facility’s end-users. The
by the academic mission — the singular commitment to
stakeholders — trustees, administrators, faculty, students
cultivate, teach, inspire and progress certain areas of study in
and facilities staff — are often best informed on interrelated
specific ways. Because it lies at the very core of an institution
issues of academic mission, departmental goals, facility and
and differentiates a school from its competitors, this academic
personnel needs, and are best equipped to drive the new
mission is utilized when raising money to support the school’s
design of facilities. From the back-of-house issues such as
goals. These schools then have a commitment to manage land
storage and maintenance access, to safety concerns such as
holdings and understand what defines commercially viable
keycards and well-lit areas, to personal comfort like private
investments in order to continue this academic mission and
study areas and inviting group workspaces, highly integrated
integrate it into further growth.
architecture prevents lack of use down the road and helps to continue the academic mission uninterrupted.
fulfill the endowment’s intention
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
SunTrust Plaza Winter Park, Florida
beyond the gates Much of the draw and experience of a college environment
At the same time, commercial offerings beyond the gates
relies on the quality of on-campus commercial offerings.
are just as instrumental in affecting the experiences of
Many of the students’ most meaningful social interactions
students, faculty and visitors. Retail, entertainment and dining
occur over meals or beverages in student centers and other
options beyond campus confines help contribute to a sense
common areas. For this reason, the diversity of offerings,
of community, improve town/gown relations and avoid the
the atmosphere and the traffic flow in dining halls can have
isolated campus feel. Additionally, convention center hotels
a substantial impact on the quality of students’ lives.
are gaining attention as catalysts for extended use of campus facilities. Knowing which commercial offerings are right for your campus can make a substantial difference toward extending the life of the campus community.
making commercial places work
featured case studies In our portfolio of academic work, two projects stand out as significant examples of our expertise. These esteemed institutions — each with a distinct academic mission — represent how exceptional planning and design help to create inspiring and functional places of learning. Lafayette College Bancroft Hall
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Lafayette College In Eastern Pennsylvania, an esteemed undergraduate institution grows to meet the needs of students, professors and alumni.
T
he long-standing and prosperous relationship between RTKL and Lafayette College began in the late 1990s. An RTKL vice president, who had a personal relationship with the campus architect, was asked, with his design team,
to provide architectural and engineering services for the renovation of South College Hall, a coeducational residence hall for 225 students. The building, which was originally constructed in 1834, had undergone the addition of two new wings in 1869 and 1873 and rebuilding of the center portion in 1962. RTKL was asked to perform a comprehensive renovation featuring improved plan configurations that would promote individual and group interaction and a sense of community.
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Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
The process began with campus-wide surveys, analysis, and master plan development. An additional study, carried out with academic planning firm Biddison Heir, Ltd., provided a comprehensive examination of the needs of the campus. The $22 million project, completed in two phases and ending construction in 2000, was greeted with enthusiasm by alumni, students and staff. Noted for its innovation within an existing building, RTKL was commended for service, design and its proactive nature toward achieving the desired result. In 2001, the project was awarded the Merit Shop Award of Excellence in Construction from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. Next, RTKL renovated the Lafayette College Alumni Memorial gymnasium for its adaptive reuse as a state-of-the-art facility for the Department of Psychology and Neurosciences. The 61,000 SF renovation includes teaching laboratories, research laboratories for the faculty, shared research laboratories for faculty and students and a faculty suite of offices. An Animal
Living Units:
Bringing New Life to South College Hall To achieve the goals of the renovation of South College Hall, every floor was divided into two living units, each with its own living and kitchen areas. “The renovations planned for South College Hall will improve the quality of life of students who might be away from home for the first time, by allowing greater interaction among students through the sharing of ‘living units,’” said Dave Thompson, RTKL vice president. “Students will have the opportunity to mingle with a number of roommates as a part of an architecturally defined living space.” Additionally, the following components were included in the renovation: • Addition of a new elevator tower
• Addition of window screens and skylights
• Improvements in accessibility to comply with the ADA
• Redesign of faculty apartment
• Upgrades to bedrooms and bathrooms
• Addition of an office for a residents’ assistant
• Upgrades of lighting fixtures and finishes
• Addition of laundry rooms, and trash and recycling rooms
• Improvements in ventilation
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades
• Addition of individual temperature controls
• New data, telephone and cable wiring installation
Laboratory Research Area is located on the lower level and
declining commercial district was not serving as an adequate
separated from the rest of the facility with keyed access.
first impression for visitors, students and parents. Additionally,
Meeting spaces, a new structure containing a mezzanine level
the school wanted to improve the quality of life amenities
with views, enclosed stairs and a common stair and atrium in
offered to its college community.
the lobby round out the design.
In addition to 35,000 SF of adaptive reuse including retail,
Following the success of the first two projects, RTKL was
office and 70,000 SF of residential uses, new construction
hired again when the administration sought to improve the
includes University and private residences, and commercial
business district situated at the College’s entrance point. The
uses. Streetscape improvements emphasize the pedestrian
You truly do make our job easier. – William J. Stank, Assistant Director of Plant Operations.
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
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Our recent dedication of the Oechsle Psychology/ Neuroscience building and the Pfenning Alumni
with enthusiastic compliments from faculty, staff and alumni in attendance.
Center was a great success
– William J. Stank, Assistant Director of Plant Operations.
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
experience along Bushkill Creek with connections to the Town Square. RTKL’s master planning efforts for Third Street were awarded a Baltimore Chapter AIA Design Award in 1999. Meanwhile, over the course of the master planning project, Lafayette was undergoing changing enrollments. Prompted by the college’s desire to reduce the number of off-campus students, RTKL was commissioned to study the southwest area of campus for new construction. The Sullivan Road area, one of the last areas of campus available for new construction, was primed for a housing master plan that would provide a sense of community and place.
A Study in Data Collection:
Providing a Foundation for the Future RTKL and Biddison Heir Ltd., an economic consulting firm, worked concurrently on a Residential Facilities Master Plan aimed at meeting the needs of the many Lafayette College students occupying on-campus housing. Fifteen residential facilities on campus underwent comprehensive review. A facilities audit, surveys, benchmarking at peer institutions and identifications of strategies and implementation sequencing for renovations all went into the master plan process. Once the information was gathered, the task fell to RTKL to organize it in the way that would be most useful to both the client and those generating the master plan. A sophisticated database was the solution — a useful tool designed to assist in the collection and evaluation of campus facility information. The database allows the team to document and sort the following types of data: • General Data: Building descriptions, digital photographs and comments on building ADA compliance. • Condition Assessment: Comprehensive reporting on condition, sorted by discipline or system and listing the desired repairs. • Room Surveys: Detailed descriptions of function, equipment, quality assessment, finishes, Life Safety Code and ADA compliance. • Actions Required: A comprehensive reporting of category of work or action priority, sorted by discipline or system, including projected dates, costs and the current status. In addition to providing the foundation of information needed to assess the campus facilities and inform the master planning effort, the database also offers Lafayette an ongoing interactive tool for facility management and maintenance.
Based on tours of the existing campus student housing facilities with representatives from Lafayette’s Residential Services, RTKL determined desired room sizes and configurations, finish materials, common spaces and
Phase One of the Sullivan Road Residences:
A Space for Every Need
amenities, storage and landscape features. Once the study was completed, RTKL was hired to design the first phase of
RTKL’s design of the first phase of the Sullivan Road Residences
the Sullivan Road Residences, a development that will include
taps into the needs and desires of today’s student body. By offering
307 beds in four new buildings. The ultimate development will
more than the simple college dorm rooms of the past, RTKL
comprise close to 500 beds in eight buildings.
designed a variety of units, buildings and spaces to accommodate social time, study time and the individual niches of some groups of students.
The responsiveness,
depth of knowledge, and ability to see creative opportunities has made it a pleasure to work with RTKL.
Buildings 1 and 2: These two buildings create a curved terminus to the west end of campus. Allocated to upper-class students, these units are arranged in a four-person “suite” format, each with their own semi-private kitchenette and bathrooms. Fewer common living/ meeting rooms are needed in each building, because each suite of students enjoys its own living area. Building 3: Designed for freshman students, this building features single-loaded corridors with double rooms and a common bathroom configuration. Two groups of students per floor share living spaces. A lower-level faculty apartment and a café open onto a terrace that overlooks the main quadrangle lawn.
– William J. Stank, Assistant Director of Plant Operations.
Building 4: This distinct building will accommodate “group living” housing, meeting the needs of another subset of students.
Project Information Location: Easton, Pennsylvania Client:
Lafayette College
Services: Architecture, MEP Engineering,
Structural Engineering
Featured Case Study | Lafayette College
Bancroft Hall U.S. Naval Academy Extensive renovation of a historic building preserves tradition while incorporating new technology.
I
n 1845, the U.S. Navy acquired nine acres of land in Annapolis, Maryland, just a year before the United States Naval School was established and admitted its first class. As the facility grew, granite structures began to replace wooden buildings, including the most
historically significant, Bancroft Hall. Named for the Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, who was instrumental in the school’s founding, the USNA’s Bancroft Hall, a landmark structure on the National Register of Historic Places, provides housing and support facilities for the 4200-member Brigade of Midshipmen. Encompassing more than 1.4 million SF of space, covering 33 acres of floor area,
Featured Case Study | Bancroft Hall
and providing approximately 2,000 dorm rooms, the venerable hall is the largest dormitory facility in the world. Support services include a midshipmen’s store, tailor, cobbler, laundromat, valet/cleaners, post office, credit union, medical and dental clinics, pistol and rifle ranges, athletic training facilities, auditorium and chapel. Bancroft’s eight wings were originally constructed in phases beginning in 1904, with further additions in 1921, 1941 and 1960. The last major renovation of the hall’s facilities was performed in the mid-1960s. The expiration of Bancroft’s mechanical and electrical systems’ 30-year life expectancy, in addition to changes in educational and technological requirements over that time, necessitated this historically significant project. In response, the Navy commissioned RTKL for the first major
The Bancroft Hall project has yielded
$260 million of construction... in just 10 years
Dorm rooms:
preserve the past while embracing the future While the Bancroft Hall project involved the complete renovation of all of the facilities throughout the structure, one of the most unique challenges was the modernization of the individual dormitory rooms. Residential life at the Naval Academy is a compelling dynamic between the institution’s need for furnishings that are both incredibly durable and maintenance-free, and the desire to provide the cadets with an aesthetically pleasing living environment that fosters learning. Also a factor in the dorm room renovations was
renovation of the dormitory in 40 years. RTKL formulated a master plan for complete renovation to be completed in nine 14-month phases.
the Academy’s rich history and tradition. Unlike similar academic environments, the dormitories at the Naval Academy were not conducive to undergoing changes in dimensions.
Phase 1 started in June of 1994. Each phase has involved
It was not possible to gain additional dorm room space by simply
sensitive preservation of the building’s exteriors, major
changing the dimensions of the hallways, as those main corridors
renovation of the facility’s interiors, removal of all lead and
must be wide enough to allow cadets to pass through them while in
asbestos, the modernization of all mechanical and electrical
brigade formation. Similar challenges were found in the renovation
systems, and the installation of flexible, modern data and telecommunications networks. Each phase of the modernization addresses three primary concerns: accommodating present and future technological and educational developments; designing in concert with the complex’s historic nature; and minimizing disruption to ongoing activities. To address technological and educational developments, the modernization improves privacy — and thus the students’ ability to focus and study — and significantly upgrades the dormitory’s electrical and HVAC
of the dorm bathrooms, all of which were renovated while painstakingly preserving the beautiful antique marble showers. One of the most pressing issues for the designers was re-imagining the old, dreary dorm rooms into a more vibrant, livable space. The previous design had cadets sharing a metal desk placed in between their beds. The designers at RTKL introduced a new format in which lofted beds allowed for new wooden desks and molded wooden storage units underneath, affording each cadet their own private study area. Not only did the introduction of wood furniture lighten the feel of the rooms, but the new design also created a significantly more open floor plan for the rooms.
systems. Respect for Bancroft’s historic nature meant incorporating and preserving many of the hall’s original
The renovations at Bancroft Hall tell a story of preservation and conscientious reinvention. Bancroft Hall and its storied history define the lives of the cadets who live and learn there. To this end, RTKL’s designers struck an innovative balance between the necessity of preservation and the desire to improve.
Featured Case Study | Bancroft Hall
Protecting the past while boldly marching into the future.
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FFeatured Case Study | Bancroft Hall
With Bancroft Hall, we have provided a
highly functional learning and rooming environment that both celebrates the Navy’s distinctive history and takes the Academy into the future. Dave Thompson, AIA
features, such as each room’s marble shower. Minimizing disruption necessitated 12-month design and 14-month construction “windows” for work on each wing. The Bancroft Hall project has yielded $260 million of
Food Service:
Renovation on a Massive Scale
construction in just ten years. The final phase, renovation of the center section of Bancroft Hall, was finished in May of 2004 and posed a new set of challenges, different from the other wings. The facility houses Memorial Hall, dedicated to alumni who died in combat, and has undergone historic preservation on its interiors including the limestone walls, plaster ceilings, exterior skylight above the rotunda, wall sconces, plaques, bronzes, busts, flags and chandeliers. The renovation and preservation of these irreplaceable historic artifacts required meticulous design consideration and execution. Now completed, the Bancroft Hall renovation has proven to be an overwhelming success for the United States Naval
The 65,000 square-foot Bancroft Hall Galley is the central kitchen and
Academy. RTKL and the Naval Academy’s relationship
dining facility for the Naval Academy. Renovating and improving the
continues to flourish — several new renovation and expansion
galley while maintaining the facility’s operational ability to feed the
projects are currently in the works — and in October of
4,100-member brigade in single seatings required a comprehensive
2004, Bancroft Hall received a Preservation Award from the
plan that was executed in eight interrelated phases over a period of
Historic Annapolis Foundation. Praised by faculty, cadets and
two years. The complexity of the galley renovation was augmented
community members alike, the extensive remodeling has
by its location at the heart of the 1.4 million SF complex and below
boldly moved the facility into the 21st century, while still
the original mass masonry historic Memorial Hall, as well as by the
managing to preserve the unique architectural hallmarks of
five floor levels within the galley.
the building — features that have not only defined the building itself, but also those who pass through its hallowed halls.
The major goal of the renovation was to improve the efficiency of workflow while totally replacing the galley’s mechanical and electrical systems. Architectural upgrades included the insertion of modern staff facilities, new refrigeration and freezer complexes, new administrative offices and general repair and refurbishment of surfaces and finishes, including all new ceilings and lighting. Despite the extraordinary complexity of this project, RTKL’s designers and engineers rose to the challenge, conceiving and executing a plan that allowed the galley to function at fully-operational status
Project Information Location: Annapolis, Maryland Client:
Engineering Field Activity Cheasapeake,
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Services: Project Management, Master Planning,
Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design,
Structural Engineering, Historic Preservation
during the extensive renovation process. Ingenuity and an attention to detail came together to modernize an extremely complex food service operation while still maintaining the galley’s commitment to excellence.
additional projects We have brought a broad variety of service offerings to highly regarded academic institutions around the country. This experience, combined with a holistic understanding of what makes corporate, hospitality, retail, healthcare, residential and mixed-use places work, has afforded us a rich portfolio of projects — each offering something unexpected to faculty, students and alumni. Johns Hopkins University Living Classrooms Foundation California State University University of Virginia The McDonough School of Business Blackwell Inn Chinese National Library MICA Design Competition
Case Study
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Master Plan
Challenge
Solution
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
RTKL analyzed APL’s space metrics, buildings and site
(APL) asked RTKL to devise an update of the master plan,
infrastructure and its ability to support projected staff
including a comprehensive strategic plan for the future
growth. Building placement, construction criteria and
growth of the campus. The laboratory, located on 381 acres
security infrastructure in relation to identified security threats
in Laurel, Maryland, is engaged in applied research, as well
were defined. Some improvements included campus-
as the development and application of technology for multiple
wide wayfinding solutions, the creation of public spaces, a
sponsors. The lab wanted to improve security and pedestrian
comprehensive zoning strategy for long-term growth, and the
and vehicular traffic patterns, in addition to updating the utility
identification and removal of obsolete facilities. The proposed
infrastructure.
master plan provides a framework for future development options, flexible site usage and implementation strategies. Now, the APL has a more efficient, secure, user-friendly campus environment, with an intelligent plan for growth that
a high-tech lab gets an intelligent plan for growth
will carry it far into the future. Currently, RTKL serves as the APL facility programmers and master planners and reviews design projects on the campus for design quality and compliance with the master plan. The RTKL-designed program and concepts dictated two Systems Integration Buildings, and RTKL has provided full services for a 242,000 SF lab/office with cafeteria, fitness center
Location: Laurel, Maryland
and conference center, and a 225,000 SF lab office with
Client:
conference center and satellite mission operations centers. In
Johns Hopkins University APL
Services: Site Survey, Threat Assessment, Vulnerability
addition, RTKL has implemented a campus perimeter signage
Assessment, Blast Analysis, Force Protections,
and graphics program and a new wayfinding program.
Master Plan, Traffic Analysis, Cost Estimate
Case Study
Living Classrooms Foundation Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Education Center
Challenge
Solution
The Living Classrooms Foundation is operated by a non-profit
RTKL designed a technologically groundbreaking new building,
organization that offers at-risk youth educational programs
situated right on the water in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
in non-traditional settings. The Foundation wanted to create
The program called for a 10,000 SF facility to house a large
a new education facility to serve as a “living classroom” to
classroom facing the water, a computer learning lab, a small
teach students about the environment and ecology of the
resource library and conference room, an aquaculture center
Chesapeake Bay.
for marine experiments, and office and support spaces. The observation tower contains weather-related equipment and provides panoramic views of the harbor. The application of “green” design principles reinforces the project’s environmental focus. RTKL specified products with a high natural or recycled material content. Wood timbers from
an eco-friendly group gets a sustainable new building
a dismantled warehouse frame the superstructure. A windmill, solar cells, low-emissivity glass and a double-insulated roof combine with energy-efficient HVAC equipment to reduce energy consumption. Ceiling fans, operable windows and water breezes achieve passive cooling, further enhancing energy efficiency. Now this cutting-edge group has a building that’s as innovative and eco-friendly as its mission statement.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland Client:
The Living Classrooms Foundation
Services: Master Planning, Architecture,
Structural and MEP Engineering
Case Study
California State University Channel Islands Town Center East
Challenge
Solution
The 670-acre Channel Islands Campus, the newest university
RTKL designers created the East Campus Town Center
in the California State University system, has a unique history.
plan, designed as a node linking the new 900-unit East
Originally built in the 1930’s as a Spanish Mission-style state
Campus residential community and the main campus. The
hospital, it was closed in 1976 and utilized for a variety of
plan includes a public plaza area with a small market, a cafĂŠ
uses before being reborn in recent years as a college campus.
and student bookstore, and faculty offices that outline the
Situated in a rural, sparsely populated agricultural area, the
town center, all retaining the campus’ Spanish Mission-style
lack of amenities and services surrounding the school posed a
architecture. Added to this mix are 48 upper-level apartments
central challenge in developing the new campus.
for faculty and staff that infuse the area with a continuous human presence. Now, the campus has a bustling, vital center of student and faculty life that provides around-the-clock service and convenience.
a rural campus gets a breath of new life
Location: Camarillo, California Client:
California State University
Services: Master Planning and Architecture
Case Study
University of Virginia Addition to Jordan Hall Medical Research and Education Building
Challenge
Solution
The University of Virginia, which had contracted RTKL
RTKL created a nine-floor, 157,000 SF addition providing
to design its Master Plan 2000, found that its School of
laboratories, classrooms, an auditorium, a vivarium, and
Medicine needed to update and expand its classroom and
support space. Striving for adaptability and future relevance,
laboratory facilities. The decision was made to provide the
the laboratories are designed as interchangeable modules that
additional services by creating an addition to the school’s
can be easily adapted to respond to the inevitable changes
Jordan Hall building, which required that the addition’s scale,
in technology and basic science research methods. The
form, and brick and limestone exterior be consistent with the
laboratories, which provide space for the five basic sciences
University’s historic façade, yet offer an interior comprised
plus internal medicine, accommodate laboratory configurations
of technologically-advanced classrooms and laboratories that
ranging from the basic wet bench (biochemistry) to more
would be second to none.
instrument-oriented facilities for the study of bio-physics. Six classrooms support the instructional center and laboratory areas. The center also contains a 165-seat state-of-theart auditorium equipped with the latest audio-visual and
making the best even better
communications technology. The project has given Jordan Hall a cutting-edge update, while still allowing for growth and development in the future.
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Client: University of Virginia Services: Medical Programming, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Structural and MEP Engineering
Case Study
The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University
Challenge
Solution
Georgetown University hired RTKL to design an adaptive-
To express the nature of study and reflect a business
reuse space for their McDonough School of Business.
environment, the design departs from the traditional
The second floor of a historic building that once was the
appearance of an educational facility and promotes a
city’s trolley barn was primed for conversion into a dynamic
contemporary corporate image. The project provides
educational space for the School of Business. Because the
auditorium-style classrooms, a student lounge, a computer
existing building was irregular, placement of large classroom
center, interview rooms and meeting rooms with faculty
spaces was restricted and the ability to create open areas
offices.
limited.
The student lounge is the hub of the 33,000 SF space and serves as a link between the neighborhood of Georgetown and the university campus. Along the link, student and faculty areas are separated to allow students access to the facilities, while keeping the staff offices secure after hours. Classrooms
a high-tech renovation of a historic space
Location: Washington, DC Client:
Georgetown University
Services: Architecture and Interior Architecture
and student support areas are organized around the lounge. The new design preserves the historic nature of the building while providing students with a professional, high-tech atmosphere.
Case Study
Blackwell Inn at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University
Challenge
Solution
RTKL was asked to provide complete architectural design
The Executive Residence is a 123,000 SF, nine-story hotel
services for Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business
and conference center created to enhance and support the
Executive Residence. The design team was given the task
Executive Education Programs. It is designed to be a premiere
of creating a building that would mesh seamlessly with the
destination for those seeking continued contact with, and
traditional architectural styles of the campus, while enhancing
academic education from, the Fisher College of Business. The
the quality of life within an academic environment.
facility is used to promote on-campus activities and attract world-class leaders, business executives and decision makers.
an elegant hotel for a world-class university
Location: Columbus, Ohio Client:
The Ohio State University Office of the
University Architect and Physical Planning Services: Architecture
Case Study
Chinese National Library
Challenge
Solution
The winner of an international design competition, RTKL’s
The breathtaking 77,880-SM, glass-walled structure is
scheme was selected as the design for the second phase of
simple, with a modern, urban aesthetic and a seamless link
the Chinese National Library. Its success lay in its ability to
between the original library and the new structure. A large
integrate with the existing building and its representation
open gateway lined with trees celebrates the environment
of both the past and the future of Chinese culture. The
and emphasizes the facility’s green building design. Water
design’s team winning entry provides both ample space for
surrounds the edifice, reflecting the geometric panels of
extensive library resources and an inviting public building for
glass that make up the façade. The roof, a formation of jagged
library patrons.
transparent glass panels, lights the tiered floors of the interior library, an open airy space that blurs the line between nature, humans and the urban fabric.
a breathtaking public facility from the outside in
Location: Beijing, China Client:
China National Library Phase 2 Project
Commission Committee
Services: Architecture
Case Study
MICA Design Competition
RTKL joined with the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Although every design was recognized for its creativity and
for a competition to design a new 200-bed gateway student
innovation, the scheme from the London team was ultimately
residence hall. Two young designers were chosen from seven
declared the winner. The circular structure is broken into three
of RTKL’s international offices to develop concepts for the
pods of residential units that effectively address small-site
complex site at the northern entrance to MICA’s campus.
constraints by breaking down scale. First-story amenities such
Designers had two months to prepare innovative and creative
as a café and black box theater are easily accessible to the
solutions to MICA’s unique student housing program.
public, while a central open-air courtyard is raised for private resident use. A tower of studios anchors the building and addresses noise issues from the adjacent highway. A spiral staircase around the inner circumference of the structure offers residents views of the courtyard and the outside urban context. The use of innovative materials improves the aesthetic environment, including translucent concrete that allows northern light to illuminate the studio space.
young designers designing for young designers
Location: Baltimore, Maryland Client:
Maryland Institute College of Art
Services: Architecture and Design
MICA Design Competition Baltimore, Maryland
Additional Projects
University Center Master Plan,
Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences
George Washington University
Space Assessment and Reassignment Study
Location: Ashburne, Virginia
Location: Ithaca, New York
Client: The Charles E. Smith Companies and
Client: Cornell College
The Michael Swerdlow Companies
Services: Facility Planning
Services: Master Planning, Conceptual Design, Design/Development Guidelines
College of Notre Dame – Chilled Water Master Plan Location: Baltimore, Maryland
University Center R&D Building
Client: College of Notre Dame
George Washington University
Services: Project Management, Master Planning,
Location: Loudoun County, Virginia
Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design,
Client: The Charles E. Smith Companies
Structural Engineering, Historic Preservation
Services: Master Planning and Architecture University of Maryland at College Park, University of Maryland at College Park
A/E Task Order Contract,
Location: College Park, Maryland
Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Task Order Contract
Client: University of Maryland
Location: College Park, Maryland
Services: Master Planning and Strategic Development
Client: University of Maryland System Services: Architecture and MEP Engineering
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Building 17
University of Maryland Baltimore,
Location: Laurel, Maryland
A/E Task Order Contract, Mechanical/Electrical
Client: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Engineering Task Order Term Contract
Services: Architecture, Interior Design, Structural
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
and MEP Engineering, Telecommunications
Client: University of Maryland System Services: Architectural and MEP Engineering
University of Virginia – Health Sciences Center Adaptive Reuse of Multistory Building Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Client: University of Virginia Services: Architecture, MEP Engineering
bare essentials At RTKL, we’re about more than just buildings. While we have
With building for the future comes a need for flexibility and
the experience and the know-how to deliver well-designed
agility in everything we do. Preparing and adjusting to changes
places to a variety of clients, merely meeting your functional
in the economy, security and technology are essential to
needs is not enough to fulfill our mission. Instead, we pride
creating viable places. Some of that is achieved through
ourselves on developing long-lasting, meaningful relationships
the connections we make to communities, our fluency in
that help companies and public institutions develop their real
environmental design and by building in adaptability. The
estate assets. We want to get to the root of what inspires
rest is accomplished with intelligent engineering and applied
your organization, and translate those goals and ideals into
technology services. In every project, our MEP and structural
tangible spaces that not only reflect your company’s best, but
engineering teams, our Applied Technology studio and our
foster it as well. Ultimately, when you succeed, we succeed.
telecommunications specialists provide a convergence of
How do we get there? By doing what we do best. We offer an unparalleled breadth of services that, when integrated, bring holistic solutions to even the most elusive design challenges. From urban design, to architecture, interior design, branding and telecommunications, our comprehensive approach ensures a stronger, better-coordinated product. Always at our table: great architecture. As architects, we deliver high-quality buildings that meet your real estate goals as much as they redefine aesthetic ones. We take that model to the next level with interior design, bringing efficient and comfortable environments to assist in your daily operations, making our workplaces truly work. And if architecture is the show, our signage, wayfinding, environmental graphics and collateral materials are the guides, reaching out and fostering physical connections that increase productivity and craft a consistent sense of place. But a well-designed building is only as successful as the relationship it forms outside of its walls. More and more, we are re-establishing ourselves as leaders in developing places that connect to the environment, the community and the world. With an extensive portfolio in planning and urban design, we look at the spaces between buildings, public areas, landscaping, links to transportation and use of resources and infrastructure. The result? Long-lasting, highly relevant places that benefit from — and catalyze — the communities of the future.
technologies that meet your daily needs and increase the value of your assets. By tightly integrating these systems with the plan and design of buildings, we ensure fluid, cohesive, sustainable environments that will operate smoothly today and down the road. Our process springs from a tight-knit corporate culture that fosters collaboration and teamwork. Though we boast offices throughout the country and all over the world, we are organized by practice group, rather than geography, thereby ensuring that every project benefits from the partnership of our most talented people. We bring experts from all disciplines together to serve on hospitality, corporate, public, retail and entertainment, mixed-use and residential projects. With so much experience in such a wide range of disciplines, we have found we offer a unique perspective that spans these sectors. For example, our workplace projects benefit from our knowledge of floor plan efficiency in hospitals and user comfort in hotels. Ultimately, with RTKL you’ll find a talented, knowledgeable team of experts that blends an appreciation for the human experience with a steadfast understanding for your bottom line. Since our start in 1946 as a two-man office in Annapolis, Maryland, we have designed award-winning buildings, communities, environments, and engineering and telecommunications systems. As we enter the new millennium, we look forward to decades more of working closely with you to build our legacy — and yours — while designing places that capture the human spirit today and into the future.
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