SUNY Purchase College Humanities Building

Reconstructing this 40-year-old modern icon brings new life to an outdated academic space.

Adhering to the original project goals outlined by Venturi & Rauch, we reconfigured interior circulation and located a new core to ease navigation and provide areas for informal gathering at key intersections of this 350-foot-long building. Introduction of a new skylit stair, and creation of several double-height spaces provides vertical links to all three floors. The bright color scheme is conceived as a navigational aide. The new interior includes 25 instructional spaces, a 200-seat theater, a 110-seat lecture hall, an acting studio, TV studio, and offices for 92 faculty.

Iconic elements, including the “scoop” ceiling at the front entrance, are retained. The distinctive pattern of plain and glazed brick at the font façade is the inspiration for new paneling that wraps the theater and public spaces.

The exterior envelope was completely rebuilt with energy saving insulated wall and roofing systems. All mechanical and electrical systems and lighting were replaced.

LEED Gold.

Purchase, New York
2015

92,530 gross square feet