Client: Babson University
LOCATION: Wellesley, MA
Size: 1,500sf Scope: RENOVATION
STATUS: completed in 2024
Photography: studio enÉe

Babson College Olin Hall Renovation

The Babson University Olin Hall Capozzi Conference Center renovation included a 4-week programming and conceptual test fit design to modernize and renovate the large conference center and outdoor patio renovation. The conference center is located at Olin Hall, which is the campus and student center for the university. The conference center is used as a classroom, seminar space, study space, and event space and where board meetings are held throughout the year. STUDIO ENÉE worked closely with Babson to confirm existing conditions, to establish current and future programming opportunities for hybrid use, and to determine phasing and construction schedule for the project. The test fits included minimum, partial, and maximum renovation options for costing. They involved plans, elevations, and 3D visualization of the space and options for materials and furniture configurations. This included laying out the space for classroom use with AV requirements for hybrid teaching, opportunities for different types of layouts for events, and different configurations for conference room space. The room currently has a divider for reconfiguring as two rooms. Moving forward, the need for one large flexible space was determined to be a better option moving forward. Glass marker board walls will be located at the front teaching wall of the space and the transformation of the rear wall into a new wood and AV featured wall is a key element of the redesign.The final construction documents included new finishes, lighting, AV, furniture and coordination with MEPFP. The redesign of the adjacent patio included plantings, paving, lighting, and furniture.