Fostering collaborative learning Lyman Hall Project OM Workspace® and architectural firm design for productivity, health and an environment that feels like home.   Project specs Location: Brown University, Providence, R.I. Space: 25,000 sq. ft. Library: 1 Classrooms: 3 Lounges: 3 Private offices: 20 Architectural design firm: Signer Harris Architects

Situation

Located in the heart of Brown University’s campus in Providence, R.I., Lyman Hall was built in 1891 as a gymnasium and swimming facility before becoming home to the Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies in the 1970s. But by the mid-2000s, a complete overhaul was in order because of waterproofing and structural problems, as well as underutilized interior space and dysfunctional flow due to isolated renovations.

Challenge   With Signer Harris Architects and OM Workspace®, Brown University embarked on a renovation project designed to preserve the historical character of the building while reflecting a modern, thriving, learning environment. Planning and executing such an extensive project wouldn’t be easy because students and professors use the building during the school year. The majority of the project work would have to be completed during the summer months.

Solution

Full exterior restoration, including replacing the slate roof and select limestone columns, started during the first project phase in summer 2008. The majority of the interior was gutted, reconfigured and rebuilt during the second phase in summer 2009.

University Program Manager of Interiors Joanna Saltonstall relied on Signer Harris Architects and OM Workspace^® to identify and specify pieces that would meet the project’s aesthetic and functional goals, which included a flexible, collaborative philosophy for teaching the arts.

Creating spaces to support multiple uses was an important renovation element. For the building’s Becker Library, OM Workspace^® provided a Vox^® Conference Table by Nienkämper to function for everything from department meetings to small-group study sessions. Together, OM Workspace^® and Signer Harris Architects found an affordable solution for custom bookcases on casters that reflect the historic details of the room, while also allowing the flexibility to rearrange the space for a presentation or impromptu meeting. Modern lounge seating by Keilhauer, Bernhardt and David Edward was selected for placement around the library perimeter and in three multi-use spaces.

In the building’s three classrooms, plans called for flip-top KI Hurry Up!^® tables and Torsion on the Go!^® stack chairs to easily transform rooms from academic to rehearsal space.

When interior demolition began, some existing building structures were exposed, impacting the size and layout of several private offices. Offices were designed for maximum use of space with no allowance for shifting furniture ordered before demolition around these structures. Through weekly on-site meetings, OM Workspace^® worked with Signer Harris Architects to develop a plan to modify the furniture to make necessary adjustments, keep the project on schedule and on budget and ensure there were no surprises when the furniture arrived.

Ready for anything.
 

Solutions included planning for relocation of pieces within the building and taking advantage of Teknion’s District line of multi-functional components to configure desk and storage units to better fit in the desired spaces. OM Workspace^® developed a custom installation schedule that offered a phased move-in process to ensure functional space for faculty and students who needed to resume use of the building before the project’s completion.

The renovation was finished in time for the 2009-10 academic year. Lyman Hall is now the nexus for study of the arts at Brown University, fostering a collaborative atmosphere in a building that bridges the past and future.