Owner: Rhode Island College
Architect and interior designer: LLB Architects/Lerner Ladds Bartels
Developer/general contractor: H.V. Collins
Other parties: Keough Construction Management (owner’s representative)
Cost: $21,750,000
Use: The 64,655-square-foot classroom, office and auditorium hall, first built in 1966 and part of Rhode Island College’s “quad,” was recently refurbished as part of the college’s revitalization initiative. The hall’s transformation was funded in part by a $50 million bond passed in 2012 for renovations and upgrades to both Gaige Hall and Craig-Lee Hall – RIC’s prominent, yet aging classroom buildings. Gaige Hall – the new home for the dean of arts and sciences, the departments of anthropology, modern languages, philosophy, political science and sociology, and the audiovisual department and Audiovisual Help Center – now features new classrooms, a computer lab, a multipurpose room, renovated auditorium and extensive meeting space, which overlooks the campus quad and features a new glass curtainwall allowing natural light to stream in. The curtainwall replaces the building’s former brick façade above the entrance that was first built more than a half-century ago. All classrooms are sized for up to 32 students, allowing a more intimate learning environment, and are equipped with movable furniture. The additional classrooms also help alleviate scheduling congestion. Improvements to the acoustics, sound systems and site lines have been made to the auditorium. A student lobby on the building’s lower level was also added during the renovation.
PHOTOS COURTESY RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
