East Quad Renovations

The University of Michigan's vision to revitalize a 1930s-era building into a dynamic, transparent living-learning hub was realized through a thoughtful renovation of the East Quad.

The University of Michigan's East Quad, a historic Collegiate Gothic building from the 1930s, underwent transformative renovations to meet contemporary student needs while preserving its unique architectural heritage. Originally built to accommodate the university's expanding residential college, the four-story structure faced challenges as its space was repurposed over time, affecting its functionality. The renovation revitalized this "Heritage" property by preserving essential architectural elements like limestone arches, leaded glass windows, and intricate stone detailing. This effort maintained the building’s historic integrity and aligned with the University's vision for an ideal residential college experience.

The renovation created a functional, welcoming environment that fosters a strong sense of community. It introduced diverse learning spaces, ranging from art studios and music rooms to classrooms and a full-scale theater, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of various programs. The design team also addressed dining operation inefficiencies by connecting two large, previously separate dining rooms to an open, exhibition-style servery. Additionally, modest infill additions improved flow by aligning corridors and adding new stairways.

Key to the project was maintaining the integrity of the site's physical identity. Located in an urban community, East Quad has three courtyards connecting residents to the surrounding streets. The north courtyard, detailed with ornate limestone, serves as a primary circulation route to the central campus, while the quieter south courtyards offer a more residential scale.

Internally, the design leverages materials and details to define major community spaces and nodes that help orient and connect individuals throughout the building. Enhanced wayfinding guides students, staff, and visitors to primary activities, reinforcing the building's role as a central hub for curricular and co-curricular engagement. Natural light is brought into the interior through sensitive, cost-effective infill additions, effectively blending the old with the new.

The programming was a critical aspect of the renovation, aimed at meeting the expanding needs of the residential college while upgrading outdated building systems. A new central space links various educational and social programs, supported by a new staircase adjacent to the café and main entrance, which fosters interaction among the 850 full-time students, over 60 faculty members, and staff.