University of Delaware

Educational Building Renovation Creates Flexible New Space for Visiting Researcher and Future Use

Problem

The University of Delaware needed a complete overhaul of the under-utilized office space accommodate a new visiting behavioral sciences researcher and mathematics lab. StudioJAED’s architects and engineers faced the following challenges:

• Accelerated Timeline: Design, demolition, construction, and interior outfitting needed to be completed in under 12 months to welcome the new tenant.
• Designing for Flexibility: The space needed to fit the current tenant’s growing needs over a three year period.
• Increased Energy Loads: The combination of a higher population on the third floor and the heat from computers meant an increased energy load that the existing HVAC system couldn’t handle.

Solution

In addition to the short term flexibility needs expressed by the University, StudioJAED recognized that the renovation needed incorporate solutions to make the space flexible in the long term. Architects and engineers recommended forward-thinking solutions that would make the space functional beyond the visiting researcher’s occupancy.

Solutions included:

• Replacing concrete walls with drywall partitions. Drywall partitions mean the layout can be re-purposed more easily, and at a lower cost in future renovations.
• Installing new HVAC system to meet increased energy demands of the space. The system can meet the high energy demands of a fully-occupied computer lab and have capacity to be increased in the future.
• Energy-efficient LED lighting controlled by occupancy sensors
• Upgraded Building Automation System
• Acoustic isolation for classrooms
• Entry and access guarding to control flow of people

The full-scale renovation of the third floor transformed the former office space into a multi-functional learning environment that includes:

• Research lab space with private testing rooms
• Group study area
• Computer testing lab
• Upgraded HVAC system
• New Building Automation System

StudioJAED’s experience with the University of Delaware’s requirements, interior design style, and more helped ensure this project stayed on time and budget.

Impact

Renovations made the space flexible for its short term use and potential long term changes. Design solutions ensure the University will be able to make cost-effective adjustments to reuse the space as its academic goals evolve.