Revitalizing Historic Foundations with Modern Design
In a striking feat of architectural innovation, Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron has transformed the existing concrete foundation of a former structure into the modern Student Center & Dining Commons at Amherst College in Massachusetts. Rising from the bones of the Merrill Science Center, a structure originally built by Campbell, Aldrich and Nulty in the 1960s, the new building now embraces modernity and sustainability with its mass-timber design. This innovative construction exemplifies how architecture can reflect a new era of environmental responsibility.
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From Brutalism to Bold Openness in New Design
By renovating and expanding from 80,000 to 120,000 square feet, the architects have introduced a student centre and dining hall that now stands as a testament to adaptability and foresight. This transformation has not only increased usable space but also opened up views previously blocked by the earlier brutalist architecture. The demolition of the adjacent McGuire building further facilitated this open approach.
Harnessing Eco-friendly Innovation
In pursuit of carbon neutrality, the project utilized the existing foundations, leveraging them to navigate the site’s natural slope. The lower two levels of the building have been preserved, while two additional levels have been constructed above using mass timber, mainly sourced from Canadian Black Spruce. This brutalist transformation blends past architectural styles with modern eco-friendly methods.
Architectural Harmony and Functional Design
The building’s design presents a harmonious blend of Western Red Cedar for the upper levels and dark-stained cedar for the lower levels, creating a gradation effect that complements the landscape. Deep eaves offer solar shading and coverage, enhancing the architectural elegance while supporting energy efficiency.
A Multifaceted Space for Community and Efficiency
The structure integrates both timber and concrete through innovative engineering, resulting in a hybrid system. The third level features a large rooftop social area with pavilions for specific functions like a black-box theatre and religious centers. This complex includes light that filters through an atrium, illuminating the winter garden courtyard, encapsulated in glass.
Versatile Interior Layout
The main entrance situates at the level of the upper quad, with a central hallway navigating down to the green space entrance. This passage is punctuated by a significant circular opening, promoting mobility and access throughout the building. Upper levels host dining functions and social areas, assisted by expansive lobby spaces. The facility also features versatile spaces designed for student engagement and community building.
Design Details and Sustainability
Intricate woodwork, such as a gridded ceiling treatment, enhances the second level’s ambiance, while exposed concrete offers a raw, industrial touch. The base level, finished in dark timber, features dining areas, a mailroom, and a pub.
By reimagining the site’s historical essence, Herzog & de Meuron forge a connection between past and future, aligning with Amherst College’s carbon-neutral objectives. Christoph Röttinger, an associated partner, emphasizes the project’s role in fostering community and climate action. The building achieves a remarkable 33% reduction in embodied carbon and 93% in operational carbon, bolstered by solar panels on the fourth level.
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Pioneering Educational Architecture in the U.S.
This groundbreaking project marks Herzog & de Meuron’s inaugural educational building in the United States and adds to their impressive portfolio, including recent endeavors like the Calder Gardens art museum in Philadelphia. The studio is also set to collaborate with EHDD on converting a Californian campus into a design museum for the Eames Institute. The implementation at Amherst College sets a precedent for future educational facilities across the nation.
Photography credit: Iwan Baan.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the building’s design support energy efficiency?
The building features deep eaves that offer solar shading and enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, it achieves a remarkable 33% reduction in embodied carbon and 93% in operational carbon, supported by solar panels on the fourth level.
What innovative materials were used in the renovation?
The renovation uses mass timber, primarily Canadian Black Spruce, and incorporates existing concrete foundations for a hybrid system. The design also includes Western Red Cedar and dark-stained cedar for the building’s exterior.
How does the project align with Amherst College’s goals?
The project aligns with Amherst College’s carbon-neutral objectives by reducing embodied and operational carbon. It forges a connection between past and future, emphasizing community and climate action.