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Architects: Gould Evans Architects
- Area: 67000 ft²
- Year: 2011
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Photographs:Adam Cohen
Text description provided by the architects. A sophisticated collage of old and new that reactivates a historic building in the heart of campus, the Johnston Building celebrates its mixed-use program through the dynamic intersection of circulation and transparency.
The 67,000 square foot renovation and 78,000 square foot addition to a 1930s Collegiate Jacobean Building combines an interdisciplinary array of classrooms, laboratories, offices and learning commons. The soaring five-story atrium organizes the building visually and physically, providing each academic department with an identity visible from the main common space.
On the upper floors, collaborative areas are balanced with intimate study spaces to support a full spectrum of student interaction. A variety of non-programmed areas encourage students to engage each other informally, connecting the diverse departments and programs.
The crisp, contemporary finishes of the new atrium and addition complement the warmth of the original architecture, distinguishing new from old. The design team retained many elements of the original building, creating spaces layered with history and meaning.
The project is designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating, as well as to meet the targets of the 2030 Challenge. It recently received the AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence for Historic Restoration and Addition for its progressive approach to historic restoration.
