AIA Pittsburgh Design Award

Center for Urban Education

Certificate of Merit, 2020

The Center for Urban Education sought to extend the useful life of a large, antiquated building on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus by becoming a model for the feasible adaptive reuse of an office suite located inside. Constructed in an era where human health and wellness weren’t considered, Posvar Hall offered dark, disconnected, and disorienting interior spaces that didn’t reflect the evolving and nurturing culture of the University of Pittsburgh.

Working within the challenging parameters of an existing concrete structure, the Design Team aimed to make physical enhancements to the space that would boost the health & wellness of users. Natural light, warmth and activity were invited into the building, and spaces were reconfigured to reflect the open and diverse culture of the Center for Urban Education.

The jury commented:

• Center for Urban Education breaks away from the rigid geometry of the existing building and boldly resets its rules on spatial interaction within the academic setting.