Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Tulane School of Architecture Primed for Major Makeover

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 10/26/21

The 113-year-old building housing the Tulane University School of Architecture will have its façades, structure, stairs and interior spaces restored over the next two years. The work on Richardson Memorial Hall, originally built in 1908, will begin in early spring 2022, with a goal of reopening in fall 2023.

The limestone structure was originally built to house the Tulane School of Medicine; the School of Architecture has occupied the building since 1968.

Tulane University School of Architecture
Renovation of Tulane University's School of Architecture is scheduled to begin in spring 2022.
Source: Trapolin-Peer Architects

The work has multiple goals: to bring the building up to code; renovate to enhance existing studio, classroom and office spaces; and update teaching spaces. An addition to the backside will add more stairs, elevators and bathrooms; expand the space for more reviews and exhibitions; and provide for a more coherent relocation of faculty and staff offices. The makeover will also combine the school's two fabrication labs, integrating "analog" fabrication" (wood, metal and concrete) with "digital" fabrication (2D and 3D printing, laser cutters and robotics).

The renovation plans call for the work to be LEED-certified at the silver level.

"I'm thrilled to announce this much-needed renovation," said School of Architecture Dean Iñaki Alday in a statement. "We are especially grateful for the support of Tulane University and to our donors, who recognized the need for the renovation, which will enhance the top-notch education our students are already receiving."

The renovation is being overseen by New Orleans-based Trapolin-Peer Architects. The project will also encompass conservation work, to preserve the original Romanesque brick and limestone façade originally designed by architects Andry & Bendernagel.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.