The design showcases a variety of academic spaces such as new classrooms and labs, as well as a new social commons area. Soft seating and group breakout areas in the social commons help break down traditional silos between the College of Humanities and Social Sciences departments and encourage increased teamwork. To capitalize on new window openings and create daylighting and campus views, office spaces for faculty and adjunct staff are planned along the building exterior. In addition, upgrades to building and technology systems create a more comfortable learning environment for students and faculty.

“Our design enhances the building’s presence off the Paseo, which is the main pedestrian circulation spine on campus,” remarked DLR Group Principal Bob Binder, AIA. “The open, transparent two-story addition also draws sunlight deep into the building, creating a bright and inviting space for students and visitors alike.”

Facility upgrades include a 5,450 SF expansion to accommodate future enrollment growth, and renovation of 45,000 SF of existing space. The $12.8 million project is expected to complete in time for the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year. The design-build team also includes H.W. Houston Construction.

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse.

The post CSU-Pueblo Breaks Ground on Psych Building Transformation appeared first on School Construction News.

DENVER ― Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) has tapped DLR Group to design the renovation and addition to its well-used Psychology building.

The building currently houses six departments in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Built in 1975, the building has become technologically and spatially limited; prompting the university to seek necessary building upgrades in order to provide students and staff with up-to-date academic environments.

DLR Group’s design features expands academic and support areas to accommodate future enrollment growth and address current limitations.

New classrooms and labs, breakout spaces, and group huddle areas create a collaborative and integrated space for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, aligning the department with Vision 2028, CSU-Pueblo’s initiative to reimagine higher education across the Southwest and in Colorado.

A welcoming new entry enhances the building’s presence along the Paseo, the campus’ main circulation promenade. Renovations also include upgrades to building and technology systems to create a more comfortable learning environment for students and faculty.

“DLR Group is excited to partner with CSU-Pueblo to design a facility that meets the educational needs of its students, faculty, and the Pueblo community,” said DLR Group Principal Bob Binder, AIA. “The Psychology Building is the most heavily used academic building on campus, and we’re confident we can transform it into a state-of-the-art environment with modern instructional and social spaces today’s students expect.”

The design-build team also includes Pueblo-based group HW Houston Construction.

The $12.8 million project is expected to reach completion in time for the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year. 

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