Humanities and Social Studies Center

Project Details

This project enables the College to re-think its approach to teaching and research across non-STEM fields. Flexible and adaptable design will foster working synergies among students and faculty by supporting active, collaborative learning. The keystone of the design is an expansive addition that unifies two landmark buildings – the 1917 Alumni Recitation Hall (38,000 GSF) and Carnegie Hall (14,000 GSF) – to create an immersive, tech-rich environment.

The design of the Complex is influenced by our research and best practices on discovery-based learning and collaboration spaces. “Learning laboratories” for the humanities and social sciences, similar to those for the physical and natural sciences, will incorporate the latest technologies. Adaptable spaces with easily reconfigured furnishings will support multimodal pedagogies.

The program organizes neighborhoods by shared intellectual interests to enable cross-disciplinary inquiry. Open and semi-private informal spaces in close proximity to labs and classrooms foster effective intellectual collisions to extend learning beyond the classroom. The scale of the project has the potential to reactivate Grinnell’s main campus quadrangle, while breathing new life into two beloved historic structures.

Building Facts

Energy Cost Savings: $217,661
% Energy Cost Savings: 51%
Electric Energy Savings: 1,925,239 kWh
% Electric Energy Savings: 52%
Utility Incentives: $350,000
125,000 GSF new
52,000 GSF modernization

A glass skylight provides daylight and connects the existing building with the new addition, creating a welcoming atrium where for students to gather.

classroom spaces — Varying space types ensure the needs of faculty and students are met.

exterior detail — A mix of materials blend the existing building with the new building.

Corridor — Skylights wash walls with natural light.

exterior view — A mix of materials blend the existing building with the new building.

Explore the Center in 360°

Exceeding the AIA 2030 Challenge

At 77% Energy Use Intensity savings compared to the AIA 2030 Baseline, the building outperforms the AIA 2030 challenge.

120 kBtu / Sq Ft / Yr BASELINE energy use intensity

36 kBtu / Sq Ft / Yr GOAL energy use intensity

28 kBtu / Sq Ft / Yr PREDICTED energy use intensity

77 % SAVINGS

Local Focus, Global Impact

At 77% EUI savings compared to the AIA 2030 Baseline, the building outperforms the AIA 2030 challenge. A series of whole building energy modeling charrettes including comparative massing analysis and life cycle costing exercises performed during schematic design phases allowed stakeholders to find a balance between energy usage, daylight, aesthetics and other functional needs.