Renovation and extension · TBC

Annex Intervention

Render of a two-storey glass box with a green roof attached to the corner of an old brick building, interior floors and desks visible through the glass, blue sky behind

A glass studio and lecture hall added to the University of Illinois Architecture Annex, drawn from measurements of the existing building and modelled in Revit.

Location: Architecture Annex, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Studio

A glass studio and lecture hall added to an ageing brick building, so students get equal opportunity to meet their supervisors.

Context

The Architecture Annex at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands as a testament to the rich history of the institution, yet its aging infrastructure is noticeable. The outdated facilities and inefficient layouts mean it is time for a transformative renovation.

Placeholder panel for the existing south elevation drawing, which is still to be added — Placeholder: existing south elevation

Process

From taking measurements of the entire building, floorplans and elevation drawings were sketched, then translated into AutoCAD. These plans were then transferred to Revit to build the 3D model. Window and brick layouts were designed digitally to reflect the real nature of the building.

Challenge

The intervention proposes a comprehensive modernization aimed not only at revitalizing the physical space but also at providing students with an optimized learning environment. While ideas such as creating coffee shops and gyms were considered, a more useful addition was chosen: a studio that provides students with equal opportunity to interact with their supervisors.

Isometric view from above with the roof removed: the brick wing on the right with its small rooms, and the glass extension on the left holding stepped seating around a central stair — Cutaway axonometric of the Revit model

Placeholder panel for section B-B through the brick wing and the new studio, which is still to be added — Placeholder: section B-B

Drawings

Branching off from the pre-existing plan of the Annex, the extension of a new studio and lecture hall can be seen in the floorplan. Sections are added to illustrate the interior space.

Placeholder panel for the ground floor plan with cut marks A and B, which is still to be added — Placeholder: ground floor plan

Placeholder panel for section A-A through the new studio and lecture hall, which is still to be added — Placeholder: section A-A

Renders

Utilizing Twinmotion, the existing Revit model is then rendered and a realistic demonstration of the design intervention can be viewed. The site was also calibrated to fit realistic sun paths and surrounding buildings.

Interior render of stepped timber benches and desks rising towards a tall glass wall, students seated at the benches — Inside the new studio and lecture hall

Interior render of a long glass wall with two large white screens, students working at desks on a raised platform — Inside the new studio and lecture hall