The Dana Hall School’s Dining Hall was originally designed in 1965 by Hugh Stubbins and Associates. By 2013, the school felt a significant upgrade was required. The building was dark, inefficient, and despite its prominent location, had limited views of Dana Hall’s handsome campus. The renovated facility was to be the center of student life on campus, with exterior improvements, a more stimulating interior, new meeting and “hang-out” spaces, and toilet, code, and mechanical upgrades.

Two changes drove the design. On the exterior, low overhanging concrete “brows” were removed, opening the building to light and views, and improved energy efficiency with new insulated glazing. On the inside, by reorienting stairs, the circulation path was reduced, freeing space for a new student lounge.