For the School of Business and Leadership at DePauw University, we adapted an existing philosophy building into a new, literally much more open, airy, and vibrant business school.
The existing structure was a dark, enclosed warren of low-ceilinged hallways and classrooms falling into severe disrepair. Initially built in the 1950’s, the exterior conforms to a classic collegiate style, which we have lovingly preserved and restored; the interiors, however, were a disaster, and their use—housing a philosophy department—needed upgrading.
We sliced through the existing two-story structure to create a light-filled, double-height atrium that can be used for meetings, presentations with alumni, and faculty gatherings. That spirit of full transformation continues throughout the building, where dark rooms have been replaced by wood-paneled, light-filled classrooms and spaces for various interactions. We scooped out the entire interior, which included four layers of existing floor, and put in a new one. On the interiors, we were inspired by the midwestern tradition of craft and using wood in evocative ways, which led to our engaging a small local furniture company to produce the furnishings.
