UMass Amherst University Without Walls
Adaptive Reuse

The 15,500sf renovation of the UMass Textbook Annex converted the old textbook storage warehouse and mail services area into office space for the University Without Walls (UWW) program. The scope of this project also included renovating some amenities shared with the University’s Design and Construction Management department, including the restrooms and conference space. The program of the new UWW space includes open plan workstations, private offices, conference rooms, break-out spaces, quiet rooms for nursing mothers, and a kitchenette.

The interior concept played off the industrial aesthetic of the building, leaving much of the waffle slab roof structure exposed, along with the buildings’ MEP/FP systems within the open plan area. At over 15’ tall, the high waffle slab allows for exterior daylight to penetrate deep into the floor plate. This daylight is also supplemented by new skylights organized along interior circulation pathways. Where offices were located along perimeter walls, transom windows were incorporated to allow for more borrowed light within the interior.

Neutral interior finishes are punctuated by warm radish red walls and pops of teal furniture. The reception at the main entrance uses an open grid ceiling to create a more intimate, defined zone that welcomes building occupants. The playful curvilinear pendant lights at reception reinforce the illusion of the lower ceiling plane and provide a visual counterpoint to the rectilinear nature of the space.

We worked closely with our landscape consultant (CRJA) to provide a welcoming plaza sequence and a new primary entry point for the UWW. A metal-clad canopy frames the new storefront entryway and opens out to stadium-style concrete seats that step down to a small plaza area for employees and visitors.