Complete renovation of a partially occupied building. Built in 1949 and 1971, Higgins Hall and Higgins Annex has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming academic building. Learning spaces are flexible to accommodate individual study or group collaboration. Program includes the Dean’s Office, classrooms, computer science and arts, and math spaces. The lobby occupies a space that had been a two-story lecture hall. A canopy projecting over the outdoor bluestone wi-fi equipped lounge creates a welcoming new entry into the building and a gathering space for the WCSU community. Adjacencies and synergies were important to consider during the programming phase. The new 3-D computer lab is located conveniently for the Computer Science and Math Departments allowing for collaboration on projects not previously possible.

Higgins Hall runs north-south, which presented an obstacle to east-west circulation on the campus and what was once the rear of the building before the quadrangle was built, now welcomes students and visitors from the Student Union. The design solution addresses the need to provide an appropriate quadrangle façade, resolve pedestrian and visual axis, improve east west campus circulation, and improve overall accessibility.

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