Lehigh University, Williams Hall

Bethlehem, PA

Design for Education Education

Lehigh University, Williams Hall: Lehigh WilliamsHall PLP Ext01

View Project Data + Close Project Data x

Client

Lehigh University

Size

63,000 SF

Certification

LEED Gold

BBB converted Williams Hall—a 1903 laboratory building in the heart of the historic Asa Packer Campus—into a lively interdisciplinary academic office building.

Following the completion of BBB’s comprehensive Campus Master Plan, the renovation of Williams Hall began with a programming effort to bring together three academic departments and the Dean of Student Life under one roof, with a focus on developing shared gathering, conference, and support spaces. A new double-height Global Commons serves as a multi-use lecture, gathering, and student space to promote globalization. A café and a variety of seating layouts encourage both formal and informal use.

Lehigh University, Williams Hall: Lehigh WilliamsHall PLP Ext07

Lehigh University, Williams Hall: Lehigh WilliamsHall PLP Int01

Lehigh University, Williams Hall: Lehigh WilliamsHall PLP Int04

Exterior modifications give new life to a building whose proportions were compromised by a rebuilding campaign after a fire destroyed the top floors in 1956. A monumental new roof screen emulates the original hipped roof line that existed before the fire and conceals mechanical equipment. Acknowledging that many buildings on the dramatically sloped campus have two front faces, an accessory greenhouse at the rear of the building has been converted into a passively ventilated “breezeway” entrance to the building, encouraging circulation through the Global Commons.