Brown RISD Hillel Renovation

a welcoming, flexible, and inclusive home for Jewish communities at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design

location
Providence, RI
status
In progress
client
Brown RISD Hillel
team

Annie Barrett
Adriel Mesznik
Anastasia Yee
Caitlin Watson
Chi Chi Wakabayashi
Deo Deiparine
Matthew Ragazzo
Rand Abu-al-sha'r

Structural
Hatfield
MEP/FP
Altieri
Lighting
Lumen Architecture
Acoustics
Threshold
Landscape
Reed Hilderbrand
1

This multi-phase renovation will transform a 25,000 sf student center to create a welcoming, flexible, and inclusive home for Brown and RISD’s Jewish communities.

Architectural rendering of a building with a textured brown facade, trees, and people walking on the sidewalk.
2

The building is conceptualized as a “tapestry,” weaving together a variety of programs to reflect the diversity of Jewish identities.

Moving drawing, the first frame shows 5 connected buildings shaded in different tones of blue and green. The second frame shows a pixelated blue and green pattern unifying the buildings.
3

Building off our 2021 strategic plan, this project includes new spaces for galleries, gathering and worship, student programming, and administrative offices.

An architectural plan view drawing of a building with numbered labels indicating different spaces, set within a simplified urban context. The drawing shows a bird's-eye view of a building with various rooms and outdoor areas, rendered in black lines against a light gray background. Small figures of people are scattered throughout the spaces, suggesting activity and scale.
4

Beginning with a courtyard at the heart of the building, we reimagined interior and exterior connections to create a greater fluidity across the building.

Detailed cross-section drawing of buildings and outdoor space, featuring figures engaged in various activities within the interiors. The overall image presents a comprehensive view of the architectural design, emphasizing the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, and the human experience within them.
5

A reconfigured entry area, know as “the Commons,” improves circulation and wayfinding while serving as a space for informal gathering.

A digital architectural rendering of a modern, open interior space. The room features wood walls, columns, and a light blue ceiling. People are depicted walking and sitting throughout the space. A staircase is visible on the left side, and a doorway is visible in the background. The space includes various seating arrangements with round, teal-colored stools and small tables. The overall atmosphere is bright and contemporary.
6

New gallery spaces and a dedicated arts library support multifaceted programming and accommodate the diverse and emergent needs of contemporary artistic practice.

Interior rendering of a modern, minimalist gallery space with white walls, high ceilings, a linear skylight, and people walking through.
Architectural rendering of a room with built-in bookshelves, a doorway, and stylized figures.
7

A variety of student spaces support vibrant community life, from music practice to studying to snack breaks between classes.

Music practice room with three musicians playing: one on a grand piano, one on an electric guitar, and one on a drum set. The room has dark blue walls, two windows, and a fireplace.
A bright, open student lounge with white walls, light wood floors, and large windows. People are shown sitting, standing, using laptops, and talking. Some furniture is visible, including a sofa and chairs
8

A newly extended stair activates the east side of the complex to create a re-energized hub for informal student spaces, and leads directly to the new chapel...

Moving drawing showing an staircase being extended to the third floor of a building.
9

...which will support a flexible spectrum of spiritual activities, from prayer to performance art and everything in between.

A digital architectural rendering of a room with a high, multi-faceted wood ceiling, featuring several skylights. The room has light-colored wood paneling on the walls and a blue floor. People are seated in a circular arrangement in the center of the room.
10

A redesign of the Social Hall features vibrant and textured finishes as well as a commissioned wall mural, enlivening this multipurpose space.

Architectural rendering of a gathering hall with a wall of windows, a mural, wood floors, and a white ceiling. The drawing rotates between three different configurations-- one is open with people walking and talking, one shows tables with people seated for a meal, and the last shows chairs arranged for a lecture or event.