Navigating the building was challenging for many students and guests, particularly in the lower level, with few wayfinding or exterior views for orientation.

Wayfinding was a top priority for the design team, who used color, flooring patterns, and wall graphics to help users intuitively understand their location. The color palette was established during an earlier project update and carried throughout the new project to create cohesion and visual clarity between buildings. These elements improved orientation and contributed to a stronger sense of place.

Designing within the constraints of the existing brutalist structure posed unique challenges. The ceiling height was cramped, so the design team focused on brightening the space with painted ceilings, modern lighting, and reflective surfaces. The original untreated concrete and fluorescent lighting were replaced with varied lighting strategies, including uplighting and downlighting, enhancing the environment to make the space feel open and inviting.

The renovation also extended outdoors with a new vestibule entry that reduces air loss, improved landscaping, and the addition of barn stone seating and outdoor furniture to encourage gathering and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sustainable and energy-efficient features were woven throughout the project, including LED lighting, a new energy-efficient air handler, recycled materials, and landscape improvements designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.