Chalmers Hall Renovation

The Dirt Works Studio renovated a 6,000 square-foot space in Chalmers Hall. Formerly located in this slice of space were a cramped coffee kiosk and a small, dimly lit seating area - adjacent to an important but under utilized gallery, a multi- purpose classroom, and a windowless conference room. Due to the favorable location, the studio seized upon an opportunity to transform this area into a collaborative, dynamic, and sensorial environment. With one and a half semesters, the design-build studio set out to breath new life into the heart of Chalmers Hall. The redesign sought a new sense of clarity, a more potent materiality, and a heightened environmental awareness. The renovated café now opens up to the adjacent multipurpose classroom and gallery through two operable walls to create one large event space. The former coffee kiosk has been merged with a supply shop and centrally located adjacent to the new café space. The intent is that this renovation will act as a catalyst for further social and cultural change as the building ties into the greater fabric of the campus.