[ Drake University : Olin Hall Renovation and Addition ]

Drake University commissioned Holabird & Root to renovate the second floor of Olin Hall, which houses biology and psychology laboratories and classrooms. The client’s goal was to provide state-of-the-art science classrooms and labs. The team achieved this goal by designing these spaces to meet current and emerging teaching methods and standards. The renovation included the entire second floor and also provided offices, conference rooms, and a lecture hall. The addition of a three-story atrium gives the building a stronger presence on campus, as well as offers a prominent entrance and student lounge areas on all levels. The existing plaza, which is a green roof over a lecture hall below, was landscaped and reconstructed to provide seating areas, making the space more welcoming to students.