HIGHER EDUCATION PROJECTS
Lifelong Learning Center
Cook Campus, Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Interior Alterations
Size: 60,000 sf Renovated Space
Cost: $9,000,000
Construction Schedule: 16 Months
Project Highlights:
The New Lifelong Learning Center practices it’s own mission of leading change by embracing and demonstrating the latest standards in healthy building design using the seven concepts of the WELL Building Standard: Air, Water, Light, Nourishment, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. The renovation of 3 Rutgers Plaza is a living example of transforming a dysfunctional building into a rich environment for collaboration, productivity, and well-being. The thirty year-old, three story office building, was showing end-of-life signs with outdated and inefficient lighting and controls. Careful planning of the 60,000 square feet building to the needs for training rooms, classrooms and two stories of administrative space, re-imaged and re-engineered the interiors. Replacing the dark interiors with direct pathways to exterior views and borrowed light were embraced throughout the building. Intuitive wayfinding replaces a maze of cubicles and confining corridors. Boring orthogonal geometry morphed into movement by prospect, refuge and focal point. And all of the senses are stimulated by dynamic lighting, haptic surfaces, aural sensations from back-lit waterfalls and babbling brooks, and eye-appealing tectonic & biophilic patterns and intersections. A mixture of natural light and designed lighting were combined to achieve a balanced lighting scheme that provided a comfortable and glare free environment.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Library Master Plan & Design
Hoboken, New Jersey
Renovation & Expansion
Size: 67,000 sf Renovation
15,600 sf New
Project Highlights:
Dennis Kowal Architects provided full analysis of existing conditions, focus groups, programming and fully engaged staff, faculty, students and graduate student workshops to create the perfect environment to support their collaborative learning model. The Master Plan includes full phasing to keep the the Library open during all construction and renovations.
School of Communications
& Information
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Renovation
Size: 7,000 sf Renovation
Construction Schedule: 5 Months
Project Highlights:
Looking for a “Wow Factor” as well as optimization of existing space in this 37,000 sf academic building, a new commons/lobby was created to support study, collaboration and relaxing. Renovations included creating a fully equipped teleconference center, classroom and connective links. DKA provided a fast track design process to assure the renovations could be completed before the first day of school.
Stadium & Concessions
The College of New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey
Renovation
Size: 7,000 sf Renovation
Construction Schedule: 5 Months
Project Highlights:
Known for its natural beauty, the college is situated on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing Township. The stadium and concessions were designed to resist vandalism and withstand the hard use from large crowds and enthusiastic students. DKA architects partnered with AJP architects to create this new stadium complete with Press Box raised on poured-in-place concrete pilotis, stadium, seating and stadium lighting.
University Biophilic Design
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Project Highlights:
Biophilic design connects the occupants to nature and natural processes through a combination of literal views, memory associations, natural materials and connections to all five senses. In this project, the walls are textured in natural wood grains, the shapes range from beehive to stratified layers of stone, and the ceilings undulate like clouds. Indoor waterfalls provide aural sensations and bubbling walls provide dynamic movement.