SFA worked with Muhlenberg College to repurpose
East Hall into a memorable and meaningful living/learning environment for
students. East Hall includes warm, inviting interiors with thoughtful
historic detailing that respects the original architecture. Large and small
social spaces foster a sense of community, and are located strategically to
minimize circulation zones and provide visual and physical connectivity to the
greater campus.
The project was a collaboration with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and NRB-USA. East Hall deploys both off-site and pre-fabricated construction strategies. This system of construction minimizes site disruption and shortens construction time. Fabricating the addition in this way allows for a timely juxtaposition of construction methods. Ultimately, the building respects its early 20th century fabric while exploiting a 21st-century construction model. This time lapse shows construction progress from May 20-August 14, 2013. As you'll see, the entire new construction portion of the project was completed during this time. Students moved in to the East Hall addition and into a renovated portion of the existing building at the start of Muhlenberg's academic semester on August 15th.
Though the building is over a century old, SFA's renovations and additions modernize East Hall into a desirable residence hall for Muhlenberg students. Through multiple programming sessions and design alternatives, SFA's interventions are transforming the hall with a delicate hand.
