Dewey Hall: College of Liberal Arts

Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Engaged to reprogram the interior of Dewey Hall–a collection of spaces which, while elegantly proportioned, no longer met the requirements of contemporary pedagogy–we ultimately proposed both interior and exterior design improvements. Our study of exterior campus pathways and universal accessibility revealed fundamental shortcomings in the building’s existing circulation, in terms of access points and of interior circulation sequence. Our solution removes the architecturally unremarkable south entrance, replacing it with a new volume housing stairs, elevator, and lounge spaces that takes advantage of striking views of nearby mountains. The composition of the new façade better relates to the historic north entrance and restores to Dewey Hall the architectural character appropriate to its prominent site on the University’s most formal campus green space.

• TEAM:

  Principal in Charge: Rick Jones
  Project Director: Marc Perras

• COLLABORATORS:

  Architect of Record:
  Freeman French Freeman, Architects

• PHOTOGRAPHY:

  William Horne