NEW HAVEN, CONN. – Svigals + Partners, the architecture, art and advisory firm nationally known for leading-edge academic facilities, has announced the completed renovation of Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) Barnard Hall in New Britain, Conn., creating a new home for the institution’s growing School of Education and Professional Studies and delivering significant 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 and Nosal Builders, Construction Administrator.
Included in the project’s scope was a 10,000-square-foot 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 consisted of a comprehensive fire protection system and interior renovations of the corridors and toilet rooms, in all, at a cost of approximately $19.3 million.
The site for the 76,500-square-foot 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. Because it is significantly smaller than the existing building, the designers visually heightened the addition utilizing a custom vertical brick pattern, multi-floor curtainwalls, 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 that spans 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 featuring 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 with essential work and learning spaces, along with a sense of community and pride toward their school and program.
