A historical building renovation to house the new location for Tulane University's School of Social Work. The school's motto: "Do Work That Matters" was a key focus as the design team worked closely with the University to help facilitate the school's transition into its new home. The school requested ample areas for groups to gather, work & learn, and where community outreach programs could be held.

One of the main design features was a custom 'bench' in the student lounge, that stretches the entire length of the room, entwining multiple functions within one piece of furniture (a reception desk, reading nooks, work desks, and large seating areas for students to gather). Other design features consist of colorful 'forests' located at the entry of every classroom; prayer flag colors and symbols, as reminders that health and harmony are produced through the balance of doing good work within the community; photographs taken by students & staff members, depicting the various missions the school has undertaken to serve local neighborhoods and diverse communities abroad. 

 

The design features were executed by Ariana Rinderknecht while senior designer at Eskew+Dumez+Ripple.