Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann
Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories, design development, north elevation
detail of drawing (1995)
Since the site is the back (north) side of Doherty Hall, and overlooks a parking lot instead of the public space of the Hornbostel mall, the first decision came easier. The university chose infill to secure the square footage necessary for the program. The architects toyed with a traditional brick facade, with classical detailing, and a modern glass facade, which would have virtually disappeared from sight, before they chose a middle course--a facade that acknowledges the dominance of the flanking wings, but is unquestionably contemporary.
A central brick panel with cut-out windows repeats the fabric and fenestration pattern of the Hornbostel wings. But this section is surrounded by lighter contemporary materials. Vertical strips of glass screen a stair tower on one side, and an atrium on the other. The atrium drops natural light into the lower floors and gains emphasis at the roofline with a skylight in the form of an inverted V. A step-wise sequence of metal-clad forms further articulates the top of the facade. Thus the addition seeks to establish its own identity, while respecting its context and its role as infill.