School of Social Work, Rhode Island College

RIC 10-04 103

RIC 10-04 022

120.sosw_4

118.sosw_2

School of Social Work is an expanding presence at Rhode Island College that has grown to offer Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees to over 375 students. Formerly occupied by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, “Building No. 9” was chosen as the new home for the School and its associates Institutes.

The existing building included a derelict central exterior courtyard and a partial basement, providing approximately 24,000 square feet of enclosed space. KITE chose to work entirely within the existing building, utilizing existing partitions wherever possible to conserve construction funds in a constrained budget.

The defining feature of the Project is the central lobby, created by enclosing the existing courtyard with a new glazed shed roof. This “found space” provides gathering place for faculty and students that fosters a sense of community and encourages spontaneous socializing and unprogrammed learning opportunities. New “smart” technology classrooms and computer labs augment 34 faculty offices and dean’s suite.

Recognition