DID, M2 Redesign Wash U. Atrium

The  team of Directions In Design, Inc. and M2 Architecture Studio was selected by Washington University in St. Louis  to renovate a three-story atrium on the university's Danforth Campus. The atrium area connects two engineering buildings, Urbauer and Lopata, that house the School of Engineering & Applied Science's offices, classrooms and laboratories, many of which overlook the areas renovated.

The university's goal for the renovation was to create a student friendly area to provide food services and a gathering place for student and faculty interaction. The food is an assortment of "grab ‘n' go" items such as made-to-order wraps, sandwiches, soups, pastries, coffee and other beverages.

Responding to that goal, DID created an area that aesthetically projects a progressive, appealing and sophisticated engineering identity. One of the sensory elements the team has incorporated into the design is the depiction of motion or movement. The feeling of motion is conveyed in angled drywall projections and sculpted wall panels. Bright colors add both to the visual movement and interest of the space. Walls on level one will be light kiwi green ceramic enhanced paint for durability. Levels two and three combine sculpted wall panels with standard dry wall finishes. An orange-red wall also accents the computer area with a rectangular light fixture, backlit to reinforce the theme of motion.

Comfortable furniture (tables, chairs and lounge seating) invites inhabitants of the buildings to enjoy the contemporary ambience. Lounge furnishings may be easily reconfigured to accommodate a diverse range of groupings and allow for greater flexibility for other functions, such as receptions.

The interior appearance and functionality of the newly renovated space were planned for maximum enjoyment and convenience for all types of users. Washington University continues to update its campus buildings by incorporating sustainable materials and furnishings, to make the campus "greener" and also to create an improved positive effect on indoor air quality.

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