The Swift Hall Renovation encompassed a complete renovation of the building, 18 new classrooms and a news room for the university newspaper "The Record," the building preserves the historic architectural detail on the exterior facade while providing an up-to-date educational environment within the interior. A 150-seat auditorium and 88-seat lecture hall in the new space accommodate the variety of learning environments required. Separate lounge areas are included to encourage both social and educational interaction. These spaces were outfitted with flexible seating and table arrangements meet specific needs. Lounge chairs with lap top tables as "touch down" spaces for study between classes. Furniture selections reflect the varied uses within the spaces while meeting rigorous standards for durability. The process assisted in refining and creating University standards.
Cincinnati Zoo Education Center and Animal Hospital
The Harold C. Schott Education Center for Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is 32,000 sqft. Silver LEED Certified building. This combination school, exhibit space, and community gathering spots includes classrooms, a theater, educational administrative offices, and a 60-ft. high circular greenhouse.
The Rowell Chase Animal Hospital functions as the Zoo's primary hospital and surgery center. This 12,000 sq. ft. building needed to function for a variety of animal sizes as well as illnesses. Furnishings were to be durable, flexible, and easy to clean.
Interior furnishings were selected to provide flexibility for these multifunctional facility. Furnishings were selected to support the Zoos desire to purchase products manufactured of sustainable materials and from manufacturers that implement green practices. The overall space is dynamic with saturated colors and clean forms, while achieving its function and concept.
Cheviot Elementry
This 195,000 sqft. building includes coaches offices for all seventeen UC sports, academic service, administration, ticket office, gift shop, the traditions lounge, locker rooms, and fitness rooms.
Interior spaces support the unique needs of athletes and staff while remaining consistent with University standards. The furnishings within the space complement the exterior architecture and atrium space while supporting the goal to create a unique UC athletics brand identity. Celebrating the tradition of athletic excellence is reinforced throughout the facility with the choice of furniture and finishes that reflect professionalism and excitement.
In 2008 Butler Technology and Career Development School began the planning of a major renovation and expansion of their main campus. The D Russell Lee Career Technology Center had outgrown the original space as the area and offerings grew. This 245,000 sq. ft. campus is currently under construction and planned as a LEED certified building.
Design Details role as interior design and furnishings consultant included the coordination of all finishes and furniture in the various areas of the building including: classroooms, administrative offices, day-care center, restaurant, and auditorium.
Making the expansion and renovation a cohesive facility was a challenge. The client desired an updated and fresh look for the new space. But they did not want to downgrade the existing space and the budget did not allow for a full-scale re-do. The solution was to maintain existing finishes where possible to keep the budget in line while new accents were incorporated to update and freshen the spaces.
University of Cincinnati Student Life Center
The Student Life Center was designed to provide a sense of vitality to the heart of campus. Its 500-foot length and 40-foot width provides a towering presence that captures students and visitors attention. As the name implies, the building serves as a central hub providing office and meeting spaces. The furniture was carefully selected to support the numerous user groups providing flexibility while meeting durability requirements and the University budgetary constraints. The art gallery showcases work of students and faculty from the College of Design, Architecture, Arts, and Planning. Housing the Universities cooperative education program, the space provides a professional and contemporary location for employers, faculty, and students to converge.
