Silman designed repairs and reinforcements for the University Commons roof to make the building usable as a modern performance venue. The exposed heavy timber trusses are now capable of supporting both the 50-foot vaulted ceiling and increased loading for catwalks, theatrical rigging points, and equipment.
Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
- Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
This project transformed a 1901 complex to create the institution’s first campus-wide student center. The two Beaux-Arts style buildings, formerly University Commons and Memorial Hall, were originally designed by Carrère and Hastings. The project’s four main work areas were the renovation of the University Commons building, the renovation of Memorial Hall and its rotunda, a horizontal addition along Grove Street, and a sub-grade addition below Hewitt Plaza.
Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
- Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
Read Caption
Silman designed repairs and reinforcements for the University Commons roof to make the building usable as a modern performance venue. The exposed heavy timber trusses are now capable of supporting both the 50-foot vaulted ceiling and increased loading for catwalks, theatrical rigging points, and equipment.
The lateral system of the three-story horizontal addition along Grove Street consists of steel moment frames in both directions as well as cross-bracings at the second floor main level and mezzanine. Although seamlessly integrated from an architectural perspective – the design was inspired by an unbuilt concept by the original architects – the annex space is laterally independent from its historic neighbor.
Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
Grove Street addition under construction.
- Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
- Grove Street addition under construction.
The sub-grade addition beneath Hewitt Plaza is also steel framed with concrete-on-metal deck. Its underground spaces, including informal areas for students to eat and socialize, are accessible from a new concrete stair that spirals downward from grade level.
Photo credit: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO.
