The conceptual plan for the new Carl and Ruth Shapiro Admissions Center includes removal of the existing Admissions Center and construction of a new Admissions Center of approximately 20,000 gross square feet, to be designed by Charles Rose Architects.
Renovation and expansion of the existing facility was initially carefully explored as an option, but was rejected as not coming close enough to meeting the programmatic requirements of the Admissions Center and not cost effective. Though the current Admissions Building, renovated in 1994 by Centerbrook, has been very well liked, it provides only 10,400 SF, compared to the current desired program of approximately 20,000 SF. Expansion was ruled out, because key roads and circulation paths prevent that to the east and the west. Building upward was considered (adding a second level to the building), but examination revealed that the structural system would need to be largely reinforced and rebuilt, requiring substantial deconstruction and reconstruction of the building.
The new building, by Charles Rose Architects, is being designed to fully accommodate the Admissions Center vision, which includes: a Welcome Center, with graphic displays celebrating Brandeis University’s history and highlighting faculty and student accomplishments; a Financial Services satellite office to provide information to waiting parents and prospective students; all Admissions Center functions, including a 100-seat presentation room and state-of-the art presentation technologies, a waiting area accommodating 100 visitors, enlarged visitor restrooms, and, on the second floor, support operations. (Mechanicals will be in the basement and in a corner of the second floor, hidden from view.)
Design Development for the new Center has just been completed, and creation of construction documents has just begun. Overall design is expected to be complete by May 2008. Demolition of the existing Admissions Center would begin in June 2008 and the new Carl and Ruth Shapiro Admissions Center is projected to be complete in summer 2009, with occupancy in time for the start of the fall 2009 semester.
