Renovation of the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground
Historic buildings lend unique character to the built environment, including educational settings. Yet aging interiors can hinder new ways of learning and teaching. To breathe new life into an iconic and landmarked building while establishing a clear identity for a diverse student hub, the renovated Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground (HTC) repositions former spaces to better showcase the center’s activities, programs and initiatives.
Originally designed by Albert Kahn in 1927 as a Cadillac-Oldsmobile dealership, the renovated HTC embraces cultural connections and shared experiences by inviting Boston University students to gather in a large student lounge, event spaces, classrooms and art gallery for the center’s culturally based programs.
Features
To create a new front door for the building and the HTC, NBBJ carved out the most prominent corner of the pre-existing building for the new entrance. This and the new storefront windows promote the visibility of the HTC from the street, while also providing a portal from which to showcase student activity.
Project Details
Client Name
Boston University
Square Footage
50,000 SF
Program
Architecture, interior design, planning, programming, site analysis
Services
Architecture, interior design, landscape design
Sustainability
Tracking LEED Gold
Phase
Completed
Client Name
Boston University
Square Footage
50,000 SF
Program
Architecture, interior design, planning, programming, site analysis
Services
Architecture, interior design, landscape design
Sustainability
Tracking LEED Gold
Phase
Completed
IIDA New England, Design Award - Best Education Project, 50,000 SF or Less
IIDA New England, Design Award - Best Education Project, 50,000 SF or Less
