COLUMBIA COLLEGE A&D BUILDING
Along with the restoration of 618 South Michigan, the renovation to several floors of the school's Art & Design building are among the 250 completed renovations at Columbia College in which I have participated. The art and design spaces for freshman were conceived over many years of planning, observation, and collaboration between faculty, students, and the design team. This renovation of a 1930 building arose in conjunction with a curriculum shift requiring all students to take fundamental courses in art and fabrication. The result is a 20,000 sq. ft. lofted studio that offers interdisciplinary, applied learning, and collaborative workspaces. The studios are open, unstructured, and participatory. Lab spaces, shops, and a variety of classroom environments engage students and invite exploration. The vibrant new campus contributes to the growth of a creative community.
