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

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • University of Idaho Debuts New Campus Housing Community

    The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vandal Village, a new campus housing community for graduate students and families, according to a news release.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • CSU Starts Construction on New Engineering Building

    Colorado State University in Denver, Colo., recently began clearing space for the construction of the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, according to a news release.