Project name: Rhode Island School of Design Quad Block
Project narrative: The reimagined RISD Freshman Quad Block is innovative in both its sustainable and social agendas, marrying the two for art and design students. The project includes a new residence hall for the Rhode Island School of Design as well as the renovation of two dormitories and the creation of a new Freshman green. The project reclaimed a series of public outdoor spaces and united the buildings around them, creating a more welcoming and inclusive home for RISD freshmen.
Project location: Providence, Rhode Island
Firm name: NADAAA
Completion: 2021
Project type: Masterplan Higher Education Housing and Center
Project information: New construction, Renovation/restoration
Size: 3.5 acre masterplan site
Client: Rhode Island School of Design
Jury comments: The jury was delighted with this submission. Given the dense development of this campus, and the steep hillside site, this is a tricky planning challenge. The graceful solution was creative and has a beauty in simplicity, along with a rich architectural design. It carves continuous public space with a strong overall identity into a block of mixed existing and new buildings for accessible student housing. The successful reconciliation of two seemingly contradictory elements—a cascading multi-level public way and celebrated accessibility—is a small stroke of genius.
Images/Photographer(s): John Horner
Landscape Architect: Landworks Studio
Project or Construction Manager: Shawmut Design and Construction
