2006 SCUP/AIA-CAE Awards

Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza

Princeton University with Farewell Mills Gatsch Architects, LLC and Quennell Rothschild & Partners, LLP in New York City

Click to view a pdf presentation of the project.

As headquarters for the famed Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Robertson Hall and the adjoining Scudder Plaza are landmark places in this university campus. A signature building of striking contemporary design, it was first occupied in 1966. The building and the adjacent Scudder Plaza were designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who was the architect of the World Trade Center. While intentionally reminiscent of a Greek Temple, the building is cast in modern forms and uses modern construction techniques. Among its distinctive features are the fifty-nine slender, tapered columns. The plaza which adjoins the building at its side is an integral part of the architectural composition.

Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza occupy a prominent location, at the entrance to the town and the campus itself, and along the main pedestrian path. The adjoining plaza is a destination for the entire community. It was within this context that this project was initiated.

The building renovation (2002) was undertaken to meet the demands of an expanding academic program, to upgrade the space to meet modern teaching needs particularly in the area of technology, to accommodate faculty research needs, and to house administration units of the school. The plaza was included in the renovation project. Both areas were composed as a single vision of the architect.

To respect the historic exterior of the building, the new portion was constructed entirely underground. As one juror noted, "it was a very intelligent decision to go underground and leave the original building alone." This new addition includes classrooms, computer clusters, study carrels, a student lounge, an administrative unit and an art gallery. Bright light was skillfully brought into the new space by using strategically placed skylights and a dramatic new glass walled entrance. Preservation of the exterior and major public spaces, the restoration of the monumental three story center lobby/lounge area, and renewal of original building systems were all included in the building program.

The restoration and renovation work on the adjacent plaza was key to the successful revision of the building and its context. The 25,000 square foot plaza contains a reflecting pool and a sculpture, Fountain of Freedom, by James Fitzgerald. The plaza improvements included the addition of trees and other landscape enhancements, and planters and benches to encourage greater use. Major events such as commencement exercises, musical and theatrical productions, seminars and meetings, and social events take place in this improved space. Students, faculty, and the community use this plaza for classes, study, lounging, and outdoor dining during spring and fall semesters.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of this project is the demonstration that creative design, planning and project implementation can insure the preservation of important 20th century architecture. Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza have retained their architectural significance on the Princeton campus for over 50 years. The renovation and expansion of this project enhanced the building and its academic neighborhood, and provided the infrastructure for continued excellence in teaching and research at the School of Public and International Affairs. A juror's final response, "This renovation is true to the architect's original conception."