How about we step inside Howard Keck Hall? This building at Rice University has quite the story. It is more than just classrooms and labs.
Howard Keck Hall was designed by William Ward Watkin. It was built in 1925. The four-story building suffered from age. It also suffered from insensitive renovations.
Rice University asked a design team to help. They needed to restore the brick and stone exterior. They also needed to redesign the interior. The goal was to serve the biophysics and bioengineering departments.
The team wanted world-class laboratories. They wanted flexible and aesthetic spaces. These would increase interaction and collaboration. Preserving and enhancing the building was also key.
The interiors were gutted. This exposed the original brick support walls. Designers maximized the ceiling height. This helped capture natural light. Original corridors were rerouted. This created offices and gathering spaces.
A new lobby was added. Arched openings were introduced. These mirrored the exterior’s arches. Original white oak doors were restored. New laboratory woodwork was designed.
Architectural details came from the exterior. They were incorporated into the interior. Horizontal masonry banding was reinterpreted. It became corridor floor patterns. Ceramic tile accents crowned new arches in the lobby. Clay, teal, and golden colors were used. These came from scientific element medallions. They became accent colors in public spaces.
Howard Keck Hall scored high with the 2000 Architectural Portfolio jury. They praised its interior detailing and finishes. They called the lobby very handsome.
You might wonder about the cost. The cost per square foot was $203.42. It received a Renovation/Modernization Citation in the 2000 Architectural Portfolio.
Today Howard Keck Hall houses the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. It stands as a testament to Rice University’s commitment. A commitment to blending history with modern innovation. It shows how thoughtful design can transform a space. It fosters collaboration. It inspires future generations of engineers and scientists. It stands as a proud landmark.