Selected as the prime consultant for the renovation of New College’s William Doo Theatre and surrounding student lounges and Student Council areas, the 20,000 square foot project includes a large cross section of programmatic elements: from auditorium to coffee shop and lounges, music rooms, offices and public washrooms. Grossly under-utilized, these areas of the building will bring out the full potential of the complex.

 

Tasked with improving the social and communal spaces, our approach was to maintain the integrity of the existing architecture while introducing key interventions to improve functionality. In addition to the architectural interventions, the design brief required a new layer of program, and an enhanced level of interior finishes both compatible with the existing cool modernist language and conducive to social gatherings of all sizes. Some key elements of the renovation include the design of a new bleacher stair and movable partition wall within the existing Auditorium to create increased flexibility; the removal of several under-utilized rooms in the lower-level to create a cozy lounge for the College’s commuter population. Warm natural finishes are used throughout in contrast with the existing concrete architecture, to foster a residential feel.