TSKP STUDIO Campus & University Planning Portfolio
SCHOOL OF NURSING - UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Founded in 1970, TSKP STUDIO’s most significant portion of work is planning, programming, and building design for educational clients throughout the northeastern United States. Projects range from libraries to museums, residential to recreational, maker spaces to breakout spaces, and administrative to dining spaces.
TSKP STUDIO is a diverse, internationally recognized architectural practice known for logical, cost-effective, and elegant design solutions.
TSKP’s staff is over 50% female and hails from 12 different countries, including Peru, Egypt, Ireland, China, India, Korea, Canada, Russia, Turkey and the United States. This diversity has proven to increase both innovation and productivity. TSKP is a proud sponsor of the National Organization of Minority Architects Connecticut chapter.
“I have had the opportunity to work closely with TSKP as we addressed substantive facility renovation challenges during a period of significant economic turmoil and uncertainty. TSKP’s work…was extraordinary. The project presented a myriad of challenges including an impossible timeline, acute budget sensitivity... renovating a decaying facility so that is able to benefit Colgate over the long-term. They were able to effectively communicate with and manage the various project stakeholders.”
David Hale, Vice President Finance & Administration, Treasurer Colgate University
REUSE
82-90 WALL STREET
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN, CT
The completed conversion of the ground floor from commercial to academic spaces serves as the new home for a portion of Yale Humanities. The departmental offices for administration and research occupy the renovated upper floors of the building, while the transformation of the street level façade and creation of a landscaped public terrace at the rear provide new seminar and study spaces and a dynamic new civic and academic locus on the perimeter of the Yale campus.
This mixed-used redevelopment includes careful restoration of the antique masonry 1880’s row houses, complemented by sensitively scaled modern masonry and glass additions framing the public terrace at the rear. By simplifying the original changes in level and clarifying the sequence of interior spaces, the building is now fully accessible and operating as a cohesive whole. The building responds to Yale’s vision for the future of the campus community by successfully re-engaging this vital link between the street life of the city and the courtyard life of the interior block.
ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN, CT
The existing structure at 158 Whitney Avenue was originally a private residence, built in 1835 and long ago converted to academic use. To meet the growing demands of the Department of Anthropology, TSKP was commissioned to design an expansion and renovation. The university desired that the addition be simple and discreet to minimize impact on this neighborhood and respect the historic nature of the building and neighborhood.
A new atrium stair between the old and new creates a cohesive floor plan of one large mansion with a central stair. The exterior is clad in a warm-colored stone and a stucco finish with framing at each window opening. The detailing of the addition is crisp and contemporary, while the mass, scale, and color are similar to the original. The expanded and renovated facility supports graduate and undergraduate programs with dissection labs, specimen storage, academic teaching spaces, and administrative offices. The original building was lifted onto temporary supports during reconstruction to remove and expand the basement into a fully functional space.
Ultimately, the building was stripped to its framing, insulated, and resided with a horizontal, tongue-ingroove wood siding consistent with its original finish.
ATHLETIC
COXE CAGE
YALE UNIVERSITY NEW HAVEN, CT
Coxe Cage, originally constructed in 1928, has a dramatic skylight and enormous steel windows. The program called for the restoration of the massive windows and brick exterior of the indoor athletic facility. Working closely with Yale Facilities and the Construction Manager, the design team explored multiple options for window restoration or replacement, ultimately choosing restoration of the original window units.
The choice of restoration also allowed the project scope to align with available funding. The project won a 2024 Build Connecticut Award for Exterior Refurbishment.
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
MULTIPLE PROJECTS
HAMILTON, NY
SCIENCE / ACADEMIC / ADMIN
For Colgate University, TSKP STUDIO has completed over 80 projects encompassing feasibility studies, small and comprehensive renovation plans, and new construction. Lathrop Hall underwent a comprehensive phased renovation to transform a distinctive 48,000 sq. ft. academic building on Colgate’s main academic quad for the English Department, Writing & Rhetoric Center. The building was originally built in 1906 to house science labs and classrooms. It featured a central double-height museum space with a surrounding balcony, multi-story arched windows, and a central skylight and light monitor. However, a 1970s renovation covered these elements, hidden for the past 40 years by lowered ceilings and floor infills.
TSKP’s multi-phase renovation of the building uncovered and features the building’s original architectural charm, such as vaulted ceilings, plaster ornamentation, two-story windows, and ornamental railings, while transforming antiquated spaces into contemporary technology-equipped and climatecontrolled environments. Skylights were reintroduced, and roof insulation was added.
Consistent with the University’s commitment to sustainable design for all major projects, Lathrop Hall is LEED-certified.
McGregory Hall, constructed in 1930, is a four-story steel frame and masonry-bearing wall structure. Originally built to house the Department of Chemistry, the building was renovated over three summers to accommodate the Math and Computer Sciences departments on the upper floors. The first floor was reconfigured into an administrative suite for Academic Deans and Registrar.
HISTORIC / LIBRARY / ACADEMIC
FLEET LIBRARY & NATURE LAB
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
PROVIDENCE, RI
The nature laboratory education classroom features a custom biophilic ceiling installation, interior green wall system, and custom millwork reflecting the sensitivies of the program.
Fleet Library is a historic landmark built in 1919 in the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank building. The project required renovating and reorganizing 15,000 sq. ft. for library technology services, photo collections, visual materials, and special collections. It also accommodated the relocation of RISD’s Center for Language and Learning, a growing program at the school to support the communication skills of foreign-born students. Careful attention was paid to minimize disruption of existing historic finishes no longer being manufactured and match materials that had developed a patina over time. The completed renovation considered the transition between new and old construction to celebrate the restored decorative plaster ornamental ceiling in the staff offices.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT MANSFIELD, CT
ACADEMIC / HISTORY
The 15,800 sq. ft. Widmer Wing is an addition to the 30,000 sq. ft. Augustus Storrs Hall for UCONN’s School of Nursing, the largest nursing program in Connecticut. The new space features exam rooms, clinical simulation labs, a multi-purpose room, and a case-study lecture room with 175 seats for group study, with broadcast capabilities to link with the simulation lab. These spaces are arrayed around a lobby which doubles as a central lounge and exhibit space for the Dolan Collection, a significant collection of historical nursing memorabilia.
Storrs Hall is the oldest brick structure in the historic core of the campus, yet lacked a formal entry and identity. Our solution creates an engaging entry arcade with a one-story, above-grade addition featuring a green-roof terrace above. A glass wall and enclosed courtyard between the addition and the 4-story existing building fills the interiors with natural light.
STUDENT SERVICES / ADMIN
In anticipation of UConn’s relocation from West Hartford to downtown Hartford, TSKP STUDIO completed two planning and programming studies and two interior renovation projects. The first was a 51,600 sq. ft. renovation within the main branch of Hartford Public Library to accommodate the UConn Library and downtown academic programs. The project included a Digital Media Suite, a Tutoring Suite, large areas for independent study and reading, group study and collaboration spaces, offices, and staff work areas. Compact shelving totaling 9,000 linear feet was also added. A Hartford History Center Collection was created with custom shelving for the various artifacts and archival storage requirements. All work was done while the library remained in full operation.
The second project renovated a 4-story, 36,000 sq. ft. brick commercial building to house the School of Social Work. The project entails new interior fit-out and
furnishings throughout offices, classrooms, conference rooms, and break-out areas. The interior design of the newly renovated building focuses on transparency of space and collaborative work environments.
Program includes:
• Open offices
• Conference rooms
• Classrooms
• Small group study
• Computer labs
• Cyber café/lounge area
UCONN LIBRARY & SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
HARTFORD, CT
HIGGINS HALL
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
DANBURY, CT
ACADEMIC
Higgins Hall runs north-south presenting an obstacle to east-west circulation across the downtown campus. What was once the rear of the building before the quadrangle was built, now welcomes students and visitors from the Student Union. The design solution addresses the need to provide an appropriate quadrangle façade, resolve pedestrian and visual axis, improve east west campus circulation, and improve overall accessibility.
Built in 1949 and 1971, Higgins Hall and Higgins Annex has been transformed in to a vibrant and welcoming academic building. Learning spaces are flexible to accommodate individual study or group collaboration. The program included the Dean’s Office, classrooms, computer science and arts, and math spaces. The lobby occupies a space that had been a two-story lecture hall. A canopy projecting over the outdoor bluestone wi-fi equipped exterior lounge creates a welcoming new entry into the building and a gathering space for the WCSU community. Adjacencies and synergies were important to consider during the programming phase. A new 3-D computer lab is located conveniently for the Computer Science and Math Departments allowing for collaboration on projects not previously possible. The building was renovated while partially occupied
STUDENT SERVICES
Willard and DiLoreto Halls were upgraded and expanded to serve the campus as a new hub for student services including registration, financial aid, bursar’s office and a range of student support services such as Student Wellness Services and The Learning Center while also accommodating academic departments in the Humanities and academic advising centers. The existing buildings date from 1957 and 1966, with a combined area of approximately 105,000 sq. ft. of existing space. A small portion of DiLoreto Hall was demolished and approximately 38,000 sq. ft. of new construction was added between and connecting the two buildings. A new skylit Lobby occupies the space between the buildings and serves as the heart of the new Student Services Center. Associate Architect: Tecton Architects.
WILLARD & DILORETO HALL
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
NEW BRITAIN, CT
PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY CENTER
STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
STAMFORD, CT
SCIENCE / MASTER PLAN
To optimize visitor experience as SM&NC, TSKP STUDIO worked with staff to create and implement a multi-phase master plan to expand program offerings. The Farmhouse Education Center was the first phase and was the first education building built on the 118-acre property in 50 years. The center straddles competing objectives of a dynamic civic space for public programs and an intimate, contemplative environment. In order to fit into the small scale of surrounding farm structures. The building volume is reduced and broken into two barn-shaped elements, constructed of heavy timber and clad with cedar. The two barn elements are connected by a glass enclosed lobby.
The Planetarium & Astronomy Center is the second phase of the master plan. It’s accessed by an accessible nature walk which provides outdoor education opportunities while negotiating grade change and a stand of existing maple trees. It includes a 100-seat Planetarium, an accessible roof deck with rolling roof for celestial observation, and classrooms. Interiors of the center are designed to maximize
collaborative interactions and provide flexibility. The planetarium and classrooms can be connected to the lobby.
The telescope will give real-time feedback to monitors in the planetarium and classrooms for wintertime exploration. Rotating wall panels allow the planetarium to open to the lobby, creating one event space. The planetarium is flatfloored to accommodate multiple uses with a dome for viewing comfort. Respectful of its location on a working farm museum, the 40-foot-diameter planetarium dome is nestled within a barn-shaped structure.
HISTORIC
The Cheney-Bennet Academy reoccupied the vacant and historically significant former Cheney School and Boiler House to form a new 5th/6th grade expanded Academy. The Cheney School was built in 1926 and Boiler building 1916. The Boiler House, and Cheney School required 32,000 SF of renovation and 6,000 SF of additions including a cafeteria addition to the Bennet Academy.
Much of the Boiler House had to be removed. However, three of the four exterior walls, an interior wall, and the smoke stack were retained. The remaining walls were shored while a new structure and roof were built. The two historic structures are located across the street from Bennet. The design solution linked the two buildings via a bridge on the upper level and created paved play area below.
CHENEY BENNET ACADEMY
MANCHESTER, CT
HIGGINS ARMS & ARMOR GALLERY
WORCESTER ART MUSEUM
WORCESTER, MA
The projects have include: full gallery renovations and exhibit design (Arms and Armor, America Decorative Arts, Asian); building system upgrades; façade and window replacement; lighting system upgrades, art handling and collection storage relocation; and temporary exhibitions.
Arms and Armor Exhibit Gallery Renovation
The design is a multi-gallery experience for the acquired Higgins Armory Collection, which is the second largest Arms and Armor Collection in the United States. As part of the covenant agreement, the majority of the collection (over 2000 works) must on be view. Resulting in an immersive open storage gallery and educational studio wing within the largest gallery, with additional presentation galleries and conservation spaces directly adjacent.
The TSKP team is acting as both Architect of Record and exhibit/graphic design firm for the museum. Projects are efficiently coordinated, providing the client with holistic project oversight considering the needs of the building, the staff, and the collection.
MUSEUM / EXHIBIT
MUSEUM / MASTER PLAN
VISITOR CENTER MASTER PLAN
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
PITTSFIELD, MA
TSKP x ikd is currently designing major renovation to the 13,000 sq. ft. Visitor Center at the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, MA. The current Visitor Center building, built in 2000, suffers from underutilized and inefficient spaces and stands to benefit greatly from an upgraded building envelope and a full building system upgrade. The renovated building will include a new lobby space, a multi-purpose gathering room, art storage vaults, and upgraded visitor amenities. Most importantly, a suite of new formal display galleries and a double-height open collections storage space (that can also accommodate educational programming and events such as lectures, receptions, and film screenings) will allow the Village’s over 10,000 art objects to be displayed prominently and shared with the public in both permanent and rotating special exhibition displays. Landscaping to improve the approach to the campus and usability of the courtyard are also included in the scope of work. The project is estimated to be completed in fall 2026.
HOUGHTON LIBRARY HARVARD UNIVERSITY
CAMBRIDGE, MA
The project began with a feasibility master plan study of multiple spaces within the Houghton Library including the Edison Newman Room which serves as a multipurpose space to accommodate public lectures, exhibition programming, and event receptions. Houghton opened in 1942 and is the only library on the Harvard campus that does not require a student ID for access, allowing for a variety of public engagement possibilities. The project team worked with the library on the overall main lobby experience which includes the design of a lobby exhibition gallery and casework, a new wayfinding strategy, and information kiosk.
MUSEUM / EXHIBIT
EXHIBIT / LIBRARY
LILLY LIBRARY INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON, IN
A multi-room renovation at the Lilly Rare Books Library on the Indiana University Bloomington Campus. Focusing on the main entry and public spaces, the final design carefully preserved the rich history of the space while infusing the library with a fresh and forward-thinking design, public gathering spaces, and provisions and apparatus for exhibition display to create a more inviting and inclusive space.
The scope of work includes renovation of the entire gallery, new wall finishes, restoration of historic millwork, new gallery lighting and control, custom designed in-wall and table casework, wayfinding, custom information desks, and gallery seating.
Project challenges include remote design presentations, remote coordination for construction documentation/consultants, and remote finish coordination all due to the COVID pandemic. Issues were overcome with additional project management oversight and the development of a VR model that could be shared both for coordination and presentation.
BUCKLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MANCHESTER, CT
NET ZERO ENERGY
This is New England’s first verified Net Zero Energy public school. A study determined the feasibility of expanding and renovating the Buckley School to accommodate an increase in enrollment to 400 students in grades K-4. The district consolidation plan required a 55,000 sq. ft. renovation and 9,000 sq. ft. expansion to create additional classrooms, a small group study area, an expanded cafeteria, and specialized spaces for special education, art, music, and STEM.
The design creates a new prominent main entrance featuring a solar flower that moves with the sun, similar to a sunflower. This creates a learning opportunity and highlights the school’s Zero Net Energy goal. The design takes advantage of the school’s energy-efficient features, like the north-south facing windows and open space, with geothermal wells and efficient technologies like bipolar ionization. Sustainability is displayed in the lobby, where students can see the school’s energy usage through an interactive dashboard.
MANSFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MANSFIELD, CT
In response to climate change, the Mansfield community envisioned a new elementary school that would be Net Zero, generating as much energy as it consumes over the course of the year. To achieve this goal, the school design includes geothermal wells, photovoltaic panels and a building envelope that carefully deploys windows for maximum daylighting with minimum thermal loss. Interior graphics of multicolored tree trunks and abstracted leaves complement the building’s focus on teaching environmental awareness. Connections to the outdoors were designed throughout the school.
The project combines three existing schools into one larger school with a student enrollment of 600 in grades PK-4. The building is organized into smaller neighborhoods defined by color so that younger students transitioning from neighborhood schools into a larger school have a sense of being part of a community.
Mansfield Elementary is New England’s first, new construction, public school to achieve Net Zero Energy, as verified by the New Buildings Institute. It is also fossil-fuel-free and it reduces the District’s budget for energy costs.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Our list of higher education clients includes public and private institutions in the U.S. and encompasses a wide range of project types and scale from the planning and design of phased interior renovations to siting, programming and design for new building programs. For several institutions our work has spanned several decades due to the quality of our design and our personnel.
