Building owner and tenant: Rhode Island College
Architect: LLB Architects
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LIGHT THE WAY: Corridors in the faculty office suites open toward large-scale windows.[/caption]
Developer/General contractor: H.V. Collins
Cost: $15 million
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MEETING SPACE: Light-filled lounges on each floor connect office and classroom wings, providing space for casual meetings and group study.[/caption]
Use: One of the first buildings constructed on the Rhode Island College campus, Craig-Lee Hall was overdue for renovation. The building had fallen into disrepair, with outdated heating and cooling systems; leaky and falling ceiling tiles; accessibility problems for students with disabilities; poor acoustics; and inadequate office and classroom space. A new addition facing the campus quad repositions the building. The renovated building now features a first-floor, ground-level student lounge, with classrooms on one side and office spaces on the other. Design goals included creating more open spaces that allow for group study, student gatherings and meetings. The building systems were modernized to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The former mechanical yard was transformed into a green courtyard space with a rain garden, which can be seen from student lounges located on all floors.
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GREEN COURTYARD: The former utility yard was transformed into a landscaped courtyard with a rain garden and a terrace with outdoor seating.[/caption]
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BEFORE[/caption]
PHOTOS COURTESY NAT REA PHOTOGRAPHY