EDUCATION

Kent State University
College of Architecture & Environmental Design Studio

Kent State University College of Architecture & Environmental Design Studio

A transformation of dormant dining space into dynamic design studios, creating simple yet adaptable environments that connect students to expanded learning opportunities.
—Always By Design

Conversion of underutilized dining space in the Twin Center residence hall into a satellite studio facility to accommodate expanded programming for KSU’s rapidly growing College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The former culinary service space on the second floor now provides complementary studio space, digital fabrication capabilities, faculty offices, graduate assistant workstations, and various support functions to meet the college's continued growth.

The adaptive reuse of this space addresses critical programmatic needs including exterior wayfinding, second-level accessibility, daylighting optimization, balanced artificial lighting, acoustic sensitivity, furniture flexibility, and appropriately scaled support spaces while creating an inspiring environment for students and faculty.

The redesigned front entrance features a modern grand staircase and vibrant elevator enclosure, drawing attention upward to the design studios. The second floor prioritizes open, flexible studio space with nearly 300 additional desks configured to support ideal pedagogical teaching layouts for each section, balanced with a large flexible lecture and pin-up space, transparent seminar rooms, student lounge, offices, and a modeling shop with fabrication capabilities.

The simple, elegant design builds upon the John Elliot Center's brand and warm color palette while incorporating sound-absorbing materials, ample daylight, and strategic transparency that transforms this satellite studio into a productive oasis for design instruction and student collaboration.