PROJECT NAME: UNR Chemistry/Physics Building Renovations ARCHITECT: VanWoert Bigotti Architects CATEGORY: INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE LOCATION: University of Nevada, Reno “When performing renovation work within buildings that many local residents have a fair amount of personal connection to and history within, additional challenges always fall over the design team to ‘not mess it up.’ In this circumstance, the design team tastefully respected the positive elements of the existing architecture and created a more interactive and updated version of the original. Included in this project is the purposeful deconstruction of the ceiling treatment to expose the physical systems of the building itself, an element ringing true to the critical identity of the building itself, the Chemistry/Physics Building.” It’s not often that upon entering an education building on a college campus, the interior of the space alludes to the nature of classes held in the facility in such an innovative way. Rather than relying on signage, the Design Team chose a less heavy-handed approach and integrated materials thoughtfully to envelop students in a space that elegantly alludes to the nuances and beauty of scientific motifs. b 2021 AIA Nevada Juror’s Commentary colors to maintain school pride and a timeless campus identity. Similarly, for the Physics level, the design team applied the pictorial representation including lines, rays, and angles of color as a reference to Spectrum and Data. Line graphs describe motion and patterns of force and light. Each floor has a similar approach yet a unique individual identity. Spaces were arranged and detailed in a way that function was provided with pops of color, texture, and pattern to add interest to an otherwise traditional and often mundane double-loaded corridor layout. BUDGET Due to the aged nature of the building and its systems, the structural, mechanical, electrical, and technological retrofits consumed considerably more of the budget than was planned, leaving a marginal amount remaining for the interiors. The interior architectural concept utilized the typical materials in an affordably customized manner for a creative result. b ITY c h e m i s t r y p h y s i c s IDENTITY PHYSICS IDENTITY c h e m i s PHYSICS
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