The Spirit of Education Hall
Concept for Education Hall Student Plaza
|
After six months of creative, thoughtful, and collaborative discussion, planning for Education Hall’s renovation is ready to move to the next stage. Inspired by input from faculty, staff, and university facilities experts, the architectural firm of Fletcher, Farr, Ayotte has completed the conceptual plans, illustrating the possibility and promise of Education Hall in beautiful schematic drawings.
The drawings show Education Hall with light-filled common spaces, expansive teaching and learning environments, a landscaped plaza on the west side of our historic building filled with trees and seating, and a comfortable flow between interior and exterior. These concepts can become a reality in four to five years.
Troy Ainsworth, associate principal at Fletcher, Farr, Ayotte, says, “We married up the needs of today and the future with the reality of the size and the configuration of the actual building. The new interior joined with the rehabbed exterior should feel like a long-term home for Education.”
OSU facilities experts are now developing cost estimates for Education Hall’s renovation. Oregon’s legislature has provided $8.6 million, about 50% of the projected total funding needed for exterior and interior refurbishing. The remainder will depend on the generosity of all of us who love the building, which has served as a home for education for over a century, and believe in its promise for the future.
