Boston – Northeastern University has engaged Kripper Studio to design several improvements for West Village G.
This existing West Campus residence hall is a 6-story apartment-style building that includes residences and also houses classrooms with tiered seating. The building is located at 450 Parker Street, set between West Village H, Willis Hall, and West Village B.
Student residences, shared amenity spaces, classrooms, the main entrance, and other access points will be addressed for a comprehensive refresh of the building.
The current scope of work calls for Kripper Studio to upgrade, enhance and re-imagine the 109,000sf of usable space within the building. The intention is to enhance the quality of the students’ experience and nurture a sense of community. One example involves re-imagining the possibilities inherent in the existing very long hallways on each floor with potential reading nooks that were not there before as each hallway is bookended by large windows. In addition, achieving better energy efficiency for the building and incorporating new security features following the university’s standards are primary intentions.
Architect Amir Kripper, founding principal of Kripper Studio, will lead a design team that will consider how to enhance the existing structure and interiors. In addition to selecting energy saving appliances for the kitchens and energy saving LED lighting options for the approximate 1,180 light fixtures throughout the building, there will be a selection of durable and low VOC floor options throughout and an upgrade of A/V capabilities for the classrooms. The project will also include an upgrade of the IT infrastructure.
“This is an opportunity to do something cool and interesting as the students’ standards and expectations have changed and Northeastern is committed to raising the bar,” said Kripper. “Study habits, campus residence life and study-life balance have evolved and the importance of the surrounding built environment can truly contribute to and support inclusivity, health and well being.” Examples include new signage, including brail, a new paint color scheme and an extensive cleaning of all ducts and exhaust grills.
Work will commence at the conclusion of the current semester and continue with a greatly accelerated timeframe. Kripper Studio’s anticipated completion of the design work and re-occupancy for the student residence is late summer to accommodate the incoming students for the beginning of the upcoming fall semester.
