There were numerous goals for the Mid-Quad project that focused on enhanced student life, increased bed count, enhanced accessibility and gender neutrality, and creation of a sense of community within the Mid-Quad district. Built during the 1960s, the existing residence halls had been essentially untouched since they were opened and were the least desired housing on campus. Significantly out-of-date related to student amenities and issues specific to accessibility and gender neutrality, the College’s desire to increase their bed count provided an opportunity to reimagine the entire Mid-Quad. Programming goals included both formal and informal group study rooms, communal kitchens, music rehearsal and performance spaces and gender-neutral facilities. The design goal for the Mid-Quad was to bring together five independent buildings into one cohesive district. With three distinct existing architectural “looks,” the challenge was to find new architectural elements that could tie all of the buildings together while allowing them to retain individual identities. Enhanced or new front doors on each, transparent vertical circulation, sun shading and color were carefully designed and applied to each building to craft a language for the Mid-Quad. Inside, a unique color palette was developed for each building.

Project Scope: Planning, Programming, Addition, Renovation, Interiors