Photo courtesy KBE Building Corporation, Paul Burk Photography
Architecture firm Svigals + Partners completed renovations of Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU’s) Barnard Hall in New Britain, Connecticut. The project creates a new home for the institution’s school of education and professional studies and delivers improvements to Barnard Hall’s existing structure, originally constructed in 1953.
Svigals + Partners led the joint effort, working in collaboration with owner State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, and with project team partners KBE Building Corporation, construction manager-at-risk (CMAR), and Nosal Builders, construction administrator.
Included in the project’s scope was a 929-m2 (10,000-sf) addition for program space, a new HVAC system tied to the campus’ central plant, plus all new electric wiring and devices, windows, ceilings, and lighting. Additional improvements comprise a comprehensive fire protection system and interior renovations of the corridors and toilet rooms.
The site for the 7107-m2 (76,500-sf) project building addition takes advantage of the location along the main pedestrian circulation spine through the campus. The exterior follows the original’s brick veneer and sloped copper roof aesthetic, integrating the building into the established campus fabric. Since it is significantly smaller than the existing building, the designers visually heightened the addition utilizing a custom vertical brick pattern, multi-floor curtain walls, and exterior building-mounted lighting.
A new, large terrace with a steel and concrete gateway welcomes students and faculty into the addition’s skylit lobby, where floor-to-ceiling glazing spanning into adjacent meeting rooms and offices features graphics developed by Svigals + Partners. The artwork celebrates the university’s mission to encourage research and outreach by highlighting the words of the school’s namesake, Henry Barnard, and the work of notable alumni. New program spaces round out the building’s offerings, providing students and faculty essential work and learning spaces, and with a sense of community and pride toward their school and program, Svigals + Partners said in a press release.
“Our renovation of Barnard Hall, home of CCSU’s School of Education and Professional Studies, has provided staff and students with adaptable, inspired work and program spaces, ensuring the lasting quality of the institution’s exceptional standards while honoring the school’s legacy of excellence,” said Bob Skolozdra, partner-in-charge, Svigals + Partners.
