The University of Pittsburgh identified the need to expand Posvar Hall. The addition(s) was first identified in the University’s Institutional Master Plan Update that was adopted in 2010.
DRAW Collective was tasked with working with University officials to select, design, and illustrate building massings for the proposed expansion. The feasibility and potential of two areas of opportunity were ultimately explored: Site One – the existing plaza area along Roberto Clemente Drive, and Site Two – the west plaza along South Bouquet Street. One of the overriding goals of this effort was to develop a bold aesthetic for the University’s School of Business. The addition is proposed to increase the square footage for the program and its design would serve as a means to increase the transparency of the student activities within the new space. An important feature of the outcome needed to be a visual connection to Sennot Square and to Mervis Hall which also houses the School of Business program.
Our design team worked with University representatives from the Provost’s office and the leadership from the Office of Facilities Management to understand the needs and goals for the project.
Over a series of work sessions, the team reviewed various case studies to develop a program and architectural language for the proposed expansion. Building massings, structural feasibility, and internal connections analysis led to a selected option.
As the work evolved and became more defined, a construction management firm was engaged to provide cost and constructability perspective. The work sessions ultimately focused on a solution that defined a six-story addition on the west side of Posvar Hall, Site Two, along South Bouquet Street.
