Design of Residence Halls - SUNY Binghamton - Phase 1

This was the first phase of a sizable project, encompassing a total of 9 separate buildings - 2 phases of 4 residence halls, plus a collegiate center/dining hall. I collaborated with the design team at Burt Hill (now Stantec) to establish the overall aesthetics and adapt the design language to the individual buildings as the project was developed. Because of the upstate New York location, an Adirondack character was chosen as the general design direction. The design team developed a "Z" plan formation in order to break up the considerable mass of the buildings and create major/minor exterior spaces around the buildings. The Newing complex (buildings 1-4), shown here, accommodates 1584 beds, at a total floor area of over 461,000 square feet.

Early studies show a simple application of an adirondack influenced facade to the base mass. The stone tower element is the elevator core, larger glass areas are typically lounges.

Many studies were created to study facade treatments to help break up the overall mass - by changes in material (above) or by adding niches (below), etc.

A "village" look was also considered, using a variety of treatments across the facades.

As the final design starts to take shape, the various elements are blended - niches, changes in material, etc. - to reach a balance of overall identity with enough variety to break up the large masses.

These studies were created with a Sketchup model base, drawn over in pencil on trace, then digitally painted in Photoshop.

This is one of the last development studies, created in Sketchup, showing what is largely the final design.

Here's the final result - building 1 (center in photo) is done, others are nearing completion - circa March, 2011.

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