Providence, RI

Rhode Island School of Design, Fleet Library

Scope/Solutions

Designed by York & Sawyer, this 1917 Italian Renaissance style building is on the National Register of Historic Places. SGH worked with the architect and was responsible for investigating and analyzing the concrete-encased, steel-framed structure as part of a project to convert the building from banking offices to a school library. With this project, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) gains 55,000 sq ft of usable library space in the building’s 114 ft by 180 ft grand banking hall and housing for 500 RISD students on the upper eight floors.

Highlights of our work include the following:

  • Reviewed existing documents and historical literature to gain an understanding of the existing construction
  • Investigated the structure’s condition through destructive and nondestructive surveys
  • Analyzed the existing structure and the new, digitally fabricated, one-story Reading Room and Circulation Island structures
  • Conducted materials and physical testing of mockups to evaluate sustainable materials proposed for nonstandard applications
  • Prepared construction documents and provided construction administration services

Project Summary

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2005

Completion Date
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Award

Winner
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Structures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Office dA
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design

Key team members

Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson
Principal
312.754.7504 mhjohnson@sgh.com
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James Parker
Chief Executive Officer
949.930.2157 jcparker@sgh.com
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Additional Projects

Northeast

Bates College, Campus Avenue Project

Bates College wanted to expand their student housing while increasing their visibility along Campus Avenue. The two L-shaped buildings, which share a common plaza area, will accommodate more than 200 students. SGH consulted on the building enclosure design.
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