The campus expansion for Otis College of Art and Design included 91,000-sq.-ft. of new building construction and 7,500-sq.-ft. of landscape design. The expansion aimed to improve campus life and strengthen the creative culture for students by providing a physical environment aligned with the school’s mission and values.
Construction included a six-story dormitory with four floors of student housing, featuring a food service facility and library on the ground floor. This structure connects to a four-story academic wing, home of the campus student union and resource center.
Upper levels consist entirely of academic spaces subdivided into classrooms, studios and labs. The low-rise structure is divided into separate residential and academic wings, linked by a 300-seat auditorium at ground level.
The residential wing has four levels of student housing sitting above dining facilities and the main library. Rooms consist of an assortment of four-person suites and provide housing for up to 234 students. This wing also features additional living quarters for four resident advisors, an artist in residence and a resident director.
DPR constructed a new 5,000-sq.-ft. wood and metal shop building to replace the existing shop. As part of the make-ready scope, DPR relocated existing underground water and power services, and brought in new power. The expansion is LEED Platinum certified.