Lane Hall Renovation

The project involved renovating a 1950’s era below grade space (originally designed as a nuclear fall-out shelter) into workspace for the Communications Department of Bates College. The program required accommodations for focused and collaborative work, meeting space, media production and equipment storage. The absence of natural light made artificial lighting and visual transparency especially important.

The design creates individual office “cabins” for staff to do focused work located around a collaborative open space. Sliding doors preserve space and add a dynamic element to the design. A meeting room include audio-visual equipment and a large wall that can be use for collaborative brainstorming and planning.

A light color palette brightens walls and ceilings while colorful floor finishes and wood impart character.