CLIENTGeorgetown University

SERVICESBuilding Renovation, Interiors

LOCATIONWashington, DC

SIZE100,000 sq ft

STATUSCompleted 2013

CERTIFICATIONLEED Gold®

STUDIOS worked with Georgetown University to transform a former television studio in a commercial office building in downtown Washington, DC into a single location for off-campus programs for the rapidly expanding School of Continuing Studies.

New entry experience
New entry experience

Bold design interventions led to an adaptive building transformation.

By navigating the building’s unusual spaces, a four‑story atrium with a central communicating stair was injected into the heart of the building that links to all classrooms and offices. Formerly used as a large television studio, the space now accommodates a tiered auditorium for classes, lecture halls, and meetings. The building also houses areas dedicated to an alumni center, faculty rooms, and study spaces. To create a formal entry and connection to the surrounding neighborhood, the windowless street front was replaced with a new, two-story glass curtainwall that draws natural light deep into the space.

GU-SCS_lounge_slideshow.jpg
GU-SCS_lounge_slideshow.jpg
Auditorium
Auditorium
Broadcast studio
Broadcast studio
Meeting area
Meeting area

Building upon the transparency established at street level, STUDIOS' design brings new levels of visual and physical connections to the education environment. In addition to allowing light to penetrate deep into the atrium, the design uses glass throughout the classrooms and other programmed areas so that light is pulled into individual rooms. This also establishes heightened connections between students, faculty, professors, and staff which enhances the dynamism that makes up the school. Classrooms can be seen from the common areas and puts education on display.

Program
Program
Interior (before)
Interior (before)
Exterior (before)
Exterior (before)

Awards and Press

PHOTOGRAPHYBruce Damonte