Providence, RI
Rhode Island School of Design, Fleet Library
Scope/Solutions
Designed by York & Sawyer, this 1917 Italian Renaissance style building is on the National Register of Historic Places. SGH worked with the architect and was responsible for investigating and analyzing the concrete-encased, steel-framed structure as part of a project to convert the building from banking offices to a school library. With this project, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) gains 55,000 sq ft of usable library space in the building’s 114 ft by 180 ft grand banking hall and housing for 500 RISD students on the upper eight floors.
Highlights of our work include the following:
- Reviewed existing documents and historical literature to gain an understanding of the existing construction
- Investigated the structure’s condition through destructive and nondestructive surveys
- Analyzed the existing structure and the new, digitally fabricated, one-story Reading Room and Circulation Island structures
- Conducted materials and physical testing of mockups to evaluate sustainable materials proposed for nonstandard applications
- Prepared construction documents and provided construction administration services
Project Summary
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Structures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Office dA
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design
Key team members


Additional Projects
Northeast
Yale University Art Gallery
SGH provided building enclosure consulting services to address concerns over condensation and degradation of the existing walls and windows associated with adding humidification.
Northeast
Bentley University, Campus-wide Condition Assessments
To better plan for capital expenses, the university needed to understand the condition of their buildings. SGH performed building enclosure condition assessments, recommended facade and roofing repairs, and estimated costs for the university’s consideration.