Showcase 8- Sid McDonald Hall - The University of Alabama System

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STRIKING SYMBOL OF GROWTH + UNITY

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Sid McDonald Hall – The University of Alabama System

C.J. LOCATIO N

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Architecture Interior Design

6'-3 1/8"

The University of Alabama System

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onsisting of three doctoral research universities: The University of Alabama (UA), The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), The University of Alabama System (UAS) is the state’s largest higher education enterprise, serving more than 62,000 students.

The UA System maintains offices in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. After working from three separate buildings in Tuscaloosa for more than 40 years, System leaders decided it was time to consolidate the administrative operations into one centrally located facility, where the chancellor and senior staff are primarily located.

GS&P had previously partnered with UA on the renovation of Moore Hall, and was selected by UAS once again to provide architecture and interior design services for a new 35,000-square-foot administration building on University Boulevard.

“System staff working in Tuscaloosa were previously housed in multiple off-campus buildings,” explains project architect Jennifer Carr. “It was clear from our very first meeting with leadership that it was of the utmost importance to bring their staff together not only to provide a central, unified location, but to break down the ‘silos’ of communication. So, along with creating a functional and efficient workspace for staff, they desired a design that encouraged dynamic interaction between the various departments.”

In addition to uniting staff to foster a more collaborative and cohesive environment, another key client mandate was that the new facility represent the collective strength of all three universities within the System. Also critical to leadership was that the building establish an iconic and enduring image of UAS that represented the dedication and commitment of the trustees, as well as trustee emeritus and building-fund donor the late Sid McDonald, a well-known and respected Alabama business and civic leader.

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S ID MCD ON ALD HAL L – T H E U NIVE R S IT Y O F A L A BA M A S YS T E M

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UAS decided it was time to consolidate their administrative operations into one iconic building.

Along with creating a functional and efficient workspace for staff, they desired a design that encouraged dynamic ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST interaction between the various departments.

COLUMN Jennifer Carr, PROJECT A RC HITECT

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DECORATIVE JOINTS SHOWCASE

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We implemented office standards into the program that not only increase spatial efficiency, but also allow spaces to function

in a multitude of ways.

Jennifer Carr

The design team toured each UAS campus, collecting imagery and additional data to experience a more personal interaction.

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S ID MCD ON ALD HAL L – T H E U NIVE R S IT Y O F A L A BA M A S YS T E M

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UNIFICATION THROUGH PROGRAMMING One of the most significant challenges during the programming phase was developing office standards. Carr explains: “System staff were not only physically separated from one another, but had also adapted to working in residential spaces. We felt that it was vital to meet with staff members individually to determine their roles, how they worked, and what they ultimately wanted their workspace to be.

OFFICE 1 STANDARD

“We also used questionnaires and on-site observation to better understand their current working conditions and what would be needed for daily functions and future growth. Based on that personal feedback and observation, we implemented office standards into the program that not only increase spatial efficiency, but also allow spaces to function in a multitude of ways.”

OFFICE 2 STANDARD

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Highlighted areas represent the primary and secondary axes.

These were established to create connection and movement between the interior and exterior.

STAIR

CONFERENCE ROOM

UP

VESTIBULE

CORRIDOR

UP

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS

ASST. VICE CHANCELLOR FOR CONSTRUCTION MGMT.

UP

UP

DIRECTOR OF HR

ACCOUNTANT

PAYROLL ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

COPY/MAIL ROOM

UP

BOARD ROOM

UP

STAIR

COORDINATOR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

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BREAK ROOM ELEV EQUIP

VESTIBULE

RECEPTION LOBBY

CONFERENCE ROOM

WOMEN

OPEN STAIR

401 STUDENTS

ELECTRICAL

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UP

FILE ROOM STORAGE

MECHANICAL CORRIDOR ELEV 1 IT ROOM

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE FOR FINANCE & OPERATIONS

MOTHER'S ROOM

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AV ROOM

ELEV. EQUIP

GALLERY UNISEX

MEN

CUSTODIAL BULK STORAGE

VESTIBULE

CORRIDOR EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR FINANCE & OPERATIONS

FUTURE

ASSISTANT TO CHANCELLOR

GENERAL AUDITOR

CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

MANAGER OF INVESTMENT ACCOUNTING

INVESTMENT STORAGE COMPLIANCE ANALYST

STUDENT WORK ROOM

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POWER OF THREE

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UA showed us that by utilizing neoclassical proportions the end result is a beautiful facility that not only fits into the aesthetic context of the campus, but also provides

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RESEARCH

TECHNOLOGY

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TRADITION

spaces that simply feel good.

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Gathering data from staff wasn’t the showed us that by utilizing neoclasonly source to inform the designers. sical proportions the end result is a The team researched each campus to beautiful facility that not only fits into understand their individual mission the aesthetic context of the campus, statements and but also provides master plans to spaces that simply help them incorfeel good.” porate the three “It was also different univervery important to sity cultures into the client, and to the new building. us, to create a conThey also toured nection between the interior and the campuses, exterior,” adds collecting imagCarr. “If there ery and additional data to experience was a special elea more personal ment on the outinteraction with side, it needed each environment. to be equally ex“In support pressed on the of the client’s inside. For examgoals, we worked ple, the University to create a strong Boulevard entry design parti that was of particular organized the significance to plan and buildthe client because ing mass based they wanted to on their desired present an iconic, connection to the easily identifiable Poppy Tidwell, campus and the presence that reinPROJECT C O O RD INATO R representative eleforced the gateway ments of the three into the newly universities,” explains Carr. “The parti acquired Bryce Campus. We developed a was developed into three components— direct axis from this entry that features we referred to it as ‘the power of three.’ a beautifully detailed, transitionally It was intended that each one of these styled linear art gallery, which starts elements be distinctive and visually with a wood-clad entry element that pays symbolize the tenet of each campus: homage to the donor, Sid McDonald, as research, technology and tradition.” well as to the current members of the board of trustees.”

“UAB reinforced the concept of using research as the basis of our The axis terminates with the recepdesign, while UAH’s look toward the tionist function and an elegant entry into future became important in designing the boardroom, while a secondary axis a traditional space that incorporated extends from the primary pedestrian the latest in technology,” notes projentry and ends with a stunning vista ect coordinator Poppy Tidwell. “UA to the existing campus.

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SYNERGY + COLLABORATION Collaboration spaces of different sizes were incorporated into the design of the new facility. These areas helped to balance the traditional office configuration with opportunities for staff interaction—both inside and out. To support spontaneous and ongoing collaboration, the design team created adjacencies that promoted logical and efficient flow of staff throughout the building.

“We organized the departments that worked hand in hand so they were close to each other,” says Carr. “For example, the chancellor’s office is on the second

floor, so we consulted with him to see who he worked with on a daily basis and needed to be close to. We also arranged the floor plan so accessing the various departments would be easier, and incorporated pockets of meeting space within each area so if a staff member wants to meet in a more open environment, they have that option.”

Evidencing the success of this new synergism, UAS administration reports that the new facility hosts a variety of meetings and events, and has become a central hub for inter-institutional communication.

ADJACENCY DIAGRAM

The design team interviewed and observed staff members in existing environments to gain a better understanding of what would be needed for daily functions and future growth in the new facility.

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S ID MCD ON ALD HAL L – T H E U NIVE R S IT Y O F A L A BA M A S YS T E M

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We organized the departments that worked hand in hand so they were close to each other.

Jennifer Carr

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Collaboration spaces of different sizes were incorporated into the design of the facility. These areas helped to balance the traditional office configuration with opportunities for staff interaction.

Quality detailing on the exterior was paired with a transitional interior that incorporates new technology and collaborative areas.

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We focused on creating a landmark facility that not 135 .00 0° but aesthetically only supports staff operations, ties in with the existing campus buildings.

Jennifer Carr

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ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST ENTABLATURE

SEE SHEET A3.17 FOR PRECAST PROFILE DIMENSIONS

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The two-story lobby reflects the same scale and detail as the neoclassical exterior.

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A CAMPUS LANDMARK

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GS&P’s design successfully represents all three campuses while creating an iconic and timeless image for UAS. Built to last, the new facility features sustainable elements that support long-term durability, including an energy-efficient exterior envelope with high R-values within the walls and roof, recycled content finishes, energy-efficient glazing, and an HVAC system that allows for control of individual areas within

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135 .00 0° the building, significantly reducing energy consumption.

“Working on this project was a great honor for GS&P,” says Carr. “Throughout the design process, we focused on creating a landmark facility that not only 05 supports staff operations, but aesthetically ties in with the existing campus buildings. Our design achieves that, striking a unique balance between the traditional and the progressive, with neoclassical features that reinforce the campus architecture, and collaborative interiors that incorporate state-of-the-5'-0" art technology.

“As with many projects, there were design modifications along the way,” ALIGN notes Carr. “But we successfully met those challenges, and, in many ways, the new face of the university showcases that GS&P truly cares—if we do something, we want to do it the right way and see it through, no matter what changes may arise.”

Mike Rodgers, assistant vice chancellor of construction management at UAS, attests to the design team’s commitment and their ability to effectively adapt to change: “The GS&P team just rolled up their sleeves, communicated openly with us on design choices throughout the process, and got the job done. The end result is a finely designed classical building that makes a statement about The University of Alabama System and its tripartite mission.”

The end result is a finely designed classical building that makes a statement about The University of Alabama System and its tripartite mission.

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Mike Rodgers, A S S I STA NT VI CE C HANCELLO R O F C O NSTRU CTI O N MA NAG E MENT, UAS

SHOWCASE

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PM Randall A. Naccari, ra, ncarb PA Jennifer T. Carr, aia, ncarb, leed ap PC Claire Neely PC Poppy Tidwell

Theresa A. Ashley Jonas Booker, leed ap Len K. Luther Louis Medcalf, fcsi, ccs

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Julie D. Roquemore, iida, leed ap

greshamsmith.com/showcase