The Spring 2009 Issue of Oculus, the AIA New York Chapter’s quarterly magazine, showcases Slocum Hall at Syracuse University – a recent CBB project in association with Garrison Architects (NY). The article commends the design team’s expression of the historic building in a fresh, modern, “green” context, emphasizing daylighting, natural ventilation, and open, flexible-use spaces.

CBB developed the lighting design scheme for the refurbished building, which houses the University’s School of Architecture. The lighting honors the historic structure, yet engages the students and faculty in a dialogue on 21st Century design. Our clean, modern design reinvigorates the landmark Beaux Arts building, with a fixture budget of only $4.00/sf.

The renovation re-opened the five-story atrium, allowing daylight penetration. A key renovation principle was keeping the space visually open and making the atrium an extension of the classrooms. Originally the building contained a two story lecture hall. Re-conceived, the volume is split in half horizontally, with a new, bamboo-clad auditorium inserted and suspended above a flexible gallery space.

The lighting addresses the needs of each space, with ultimate flexibility for the gallery and architectural enhancement of the auditorium.

Read the Oculus article: Good Bones Win Out.