CLIENT CHAT
SMBW spoke with Natalie R. Addison with George Washington University to see how their new space has impacted their culture, community, and goals.
When you first conceived of the space, what were your overall project goals?
The overall goals were to create an energized residential living experience that features modern and inviting community spaces that support student well-being and development, increase student opportunities for making and building connections, and support their academic success.
What technical requirements or program adjacencies were critical to the project’s success. Including a robust amount and variety ofcommunity spaces to get students out of their rooms was important to achieving a successful outcome. Maximizing natural light and featuring spaces that allow students to see and be seen from the central atrium were therefore important program requirements.
Was this project conceived based on a specific university initiative(s) or master plan?
Yes, the project is a part of the university’s strategic initiative to enhance the student experience. The project was approved by GW’s Board of Trustees in May 2019.
Describe your experience working with SMBW. SMBW team was great to work with especially during the design phase and furniture selection phase. They were very responsive to stakeholder preferences. They always had multiple options ready for review or alternate ideas to suggest and present whether it was furniture fabric or a floor pattern design, they consistently arrived at consensus among the stakeholders. SMBW struck a good balance in decision-making between making their own recommendations and accommodating stakeholder desires. Their attention to detail during the punch walk ensured that any outstanding issues were resolved post-installation.
Did the process feel inclusive?
Yes, SMBW listened carefully to the stakeholder committee thoughts and presented options that were responsive. All ideas and feedback were shared, received, and considered throughout the process.
Did the design team encourage innovative strategies that you had not thought of?
The design team introduced unfamiliar furniture manufacturers and products that we had not every used and were not familiar with. For example, a rocker lounge chair for the lounges is a hit. For the interiors, corridor ends with windows on residential floors were designed to be private window bench seats with padded, acoustical wall treatment – a nice way to provide opportunities for private work, rest or reflection – rather than leaving a dead space in the design.
In what way(s) does the facility enhance student life? How has space impacted the student culture?
The robust variety of community spaces featured in the renovation create many opportunities that overall support student wellbeing and engagement. The facility promotes student activity outside of their rooms by offering spaces to socialize, study, learn, lounge, cook/eat, play recreational games and relax both indoors and outdoors.
Have the building materials held up to expectations on their durability, cleanability and acoustic absorption?
Almost all materials have held up to the intended activities except for the composite flooring material provided for the kitchens (Bolon, Wing). While the design and pattern are visually stunning, the material holds onto spills, dirt, and stains beyond housekeeping’s ability to clean and maintain it. A high traffic, community kitchen application was likely not a good fit for the material. There are plans to replace the flooring if that has not happened already.
Is the furniture flexible enough to allow students to change the layouts?
The study lounges, in particular, feature mobile furniture that allow for easy reconfiguration of the layout depending upon the students’ use of the room. This is by design.
What response have you received in reaction to your space (student, staff and/or visitor)?
The community has been wowed by the dramatic transformation of Thurston Hall. The various styles and finishes of the furniture are eye-catching against complimentary interior finishes. Together these elements create vibrant and modern spaces.
Has the finished space fulfilled the project goals?
Yes, the finished space enhance the students experience by providing a vibrant, healthy and modern living environment in which they can build life-long relationships, thrive and have a sense of belonging.
Natalie R. Addison AIA, LEED AP Senior Planning and Design Associate The George Washington University