Energy-Efficient Academic Renovation for Miami University

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Miami University

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Oxford, Ohio

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120,418 SF

This rendering shows a modern, open interior space of Bachelor Hall at Miami University. The design features a bright, airy common area with white columns and recessed lighting. On the left, there's a collaborative seating area with a striking red accent wall, striped booth seating, and teal chairs around round tables where students are working. The central space has a multi-level design with additional seating areas visible in the background, and people can be seen socializing and studying throughout. The minimalist color scheme of whites, woods, and strategic color accents creates a contemporary academic environment designed for both collaboration and individual work.

This rendering shows a bright transitional space in Bachelor Hall that blends a corridor with informal study areas. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the right wall flood the space with natural light and provide views of the campus greenery outside. The design features a modern aesthetic with terrazzo flooring transitioning to patterned carpet in the seating area, white walls, and recessed linear lighting in the acoustic ceiling. A colorful abstract artwork adds visual interest on the wall, while a digital information display is integrated into the black wall panel on the left. Various seating options include a standing-height counter where students work on laptops, comfortable lounge chairs with small tables, and a bar-height collaboration table near the windows. The space exemplifies contemporary educational design that creates opportunities for both circulation and impromptu studying or socializing.

This rendering depicts a main corridor or entrance hall in Bachelor Hall featuring sleek black wall panels with a building directory on the right side. The hallway has a polished terrazzo floor with geometric patterning and leads toward an open collaborative space visible in the background. Wooden ceiling inlays with integrated linear lighting create visual interest overhead. A built-in wooden bench with red cushioning provides seating on the left where a student checks their phone. The design uses Miami University's red accent color strategically throughout the space. People are shown moving through the corridor or gathered in the social area beyond, suggesting a functional transitional space that connects different areas of the building while providing practical amenities like wayfinding and brief respite areas.

This rendering shows a collaborative study space in Bachelor Hall framed by two white cylindrical columns. The focal point is a long, shared white work table with six reddish-brown textured chairs where students are working on laptops. The space opens into a larger collaborative area visible beyond, which features perforated red wall panels that add visual interest and warmth to the design. Natural light enters through windows in the background, while the ceiling combines white acoustic panels with integrated linear lighting and wooden accent trim. The terrazzo flooring provides a durable, bright surface that complements the overall clean aesthetic. A student can be seen walking past on the left side, highlighting how this semi-enclosed collaborative zone relates to circulation paths while maintaining a sense of spatial definition for focused group work.

This rendering shows a modern classroom in Bachelor Hall with a minimalist, contemporary design. The space features rows of white tables with light gray chairs on casters, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. A large whiteboard dominates the front wall, backlit with subtle ambient lighting, where an instructor stands addressing students. The room has a sophisticated color palette with dark gray walls, textured carpet flooring in charcoal tones, and a wood-paneled ceiling with integrated linear lighting. Students are shown seated throughout the classroom, suggesting an active learning environment. The overall design balances functionality with aesthetics, creating a focused academic space that supports modern teaching methodologies.

This rendering shows a lecture hall or presentation space in Bachelor Hall featuring modern, flexible seating with light wood chairs on black metal frames. The front wall displays a large whiteboard or projection screen with a presenter positioned to the right. The space incorporates contemporary design elements including white cylindrical columns, recessed linear ceiling lights, and a textured gray carpet with geometric patterns. Red perforated panels add a visual accent on the left side where the space opens to an adjacent collaborative area visible in the background. The overall design creates a versatile educational environment that bridges formal lecture settings with more casual collaborative spaces.

Bachelor Hall: An Energy-Efficient Academic Renovation Supporting the Humanities at Miami University

Since 1978, Bachelor Hall has been a cornerstone of Miami University’s College of Arts and Science. Now, through a comprehensive energy-efficient academic renovation, our team reimagined the building to support a more collaborative, student-centered environment for the Humanities. The transformation includes enclosing the exterior courtyard and reconfiguring interior layouts to maximize spatial efficiency and create vibrant, shared spaces for eight academic departments.

With 20 classrooms and 141 offices, Bachelor Hall will expand its square footage from 112,000 to 120,418 by the project’s end, supporting the growing academic needs of the university.

A New Home for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Central to the renovation is the creation of a Humanities Center. This is an interdisciplinary hub designed to foster interaction among students, faculty, and the broader university community. The redesigned layout promotes flexibility, accessibility, and collaboration, aligning with the College’s long-term academic goals. The new design also features a dramatic four-story atrium created by enclosing the existing courtyard, topped with a large skylight to bring abundant natural light into the heart of the building. This will enhance the user experience through biophilic, light-filled spaces.

Supporting Sustainability Through Engineering Innovation

In parallel with enhancing academic functionality, the project tackles critical deferred maintenance needs while significantly advancing Miami University’s sustainability initiatives. The renovation connects Bachelor Hall to the Western Campus Geothermal Plant. As a result, energy consumption will see an estimated 50% reduction, as well as substantial improvements to occupant comfort. In addition, our engineers replaced outdated HVAC systems. Finally, we upgraded electrical systems, including integration into the 12,470V distribution system to boost energy efficiency.

This energy-efficient academic renovation also modernizes life safety systems, fire alarms, and mechanical infrastructure to meet current building codes. Inside, the 120,418 SF facility will feature scalable, tech-ready classrooms and a dramatic four-story atrium to enhance both visual and physical connectivity. Together, these additions create a dynamic community hub for learning and engagement.

Set for completion by the end of 2025, this renovation ensures Bachelor Hall remains a future-ready academic facility that celebrates the Humanities while exemplifying energy-conscious design.

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Disciplines

Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning

Project Contact

Andrew Lough

Energy-Efficient Academic Renovation for Miami University

Bachelor Hall: An Energy-Efficient Academic Renovation Supporting the Humanities at Miami University

A New Home for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Supporting Sustainability Through Engineering Innovation

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