Library and Classroom Renovations

New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA

The New England College of Optometry, located in four existing historic brownstones on Beacon Street in Boston's Historic Back Bay, hired Jones to explore the relocation of the college's existing library to accommodate a new lecture hall and gathering place for its community. The 160-seat lecture hall will allow the college to hold classes with the entire student body in attendance, fulfilling a need where the existing portfolio of classrooms is deficient. Operable walls and other flexible elements are included in the design of the lecture hall to give the institution the flexibility to host large events and courses of various sizes. The relocation of the library for the lecture hall created an opportunity for the student-centric program elements of the library, such as quiet study and group study areas, to be clustered with other existing student-centric program elements, including dining, lounge and other informal meeting areas, to create a complete student commons. The remaining library program elements, including the stacks, library service desk and offices, were relocated in order to provide the optimal level of service to students within a more modest footprint, adjacent to the new student commons area.

"Jones Architecture was a fit for our project from the very start. They brought to the table a perfect mix of creativity & passion, balanced with a calm measured approach. The project had many challenges, twists and unforeseen obstacles along the way and with each the team quickly changed their approach and brought us back to center. They met every deadline set before them, were exceptionally professional and were truly a pleasure to work with."

— Shawne K. Gillies, CFM, Director of Facilities & Campus Planning, New England College of Optometry