Rice University Sewall Hall Renovation | William Marsh Rice University, Houston, Texas

Maintaining the original historical character of the building on the exterior while upgrading the interior for ADA accessibility

Ray+Hollington Architects engaged in two phases of reprogramming and renovating Sewall Hall, an existing five-story building (three above grade) on the Rice University campus. The challenge of the project was to maintain the original historical character of the building on the exterior while upgrading the interior for ADA accessibility. Phase I involved programming for the relocation and renovation of the entire Department of Fine Arts including art studios, lecture halls, faculty offices, expanded gallery space and new student exhibition space. Phase II discreetly provided ADA accessibility in the north tower through an elevator core tucked behind a playful new wall that screens the elevator and fire stair from the primary circulation route and enlivens the interior with color and pattern.