Title: Clark Hall
Location of Proejct: Savannah, GA
Project Completion Date: 2019
Firm Name: Savannah College of Art and Design

Short Description: Clark Hall and its South Sheds date to 1859. In 2019, these former railways sheds were modernized into an energy efficient living laboratory for the study of building design, replete with a materials library, model shop, and maker space

With insight, input, and academic research provided by the students who use the facility, the Clark Hall initiative serves as a model and living laboratory for the study of architecture, architectural history, furniture design, interior design, preservation design, and urban design.

Architect's Statement: Nestled on a long and narrow city block, the Clark Hall sheds were part of the Central of Georgia Railroad complex, the largest extant railroad depot in the U.S. The sheds, which were constructed of Savannah gray brick in 1859, were linked to the Red Building (modern-day Clark Hall) in 1910. The structures, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark, were saved in 1988 and adapted by the university for use by the School of Building Arts.

Before the 2019 project, the sheds were a large, open space with only pin-up partitions separating classrooms and workspaces, which allowed noise from simultaneous classes and students working independently to carry throughout the building. A lack of modern insulation caused the building's temperature to vary widely depending on the season. An aging roof was also prone to leaks and not energy efficient.

In the fall of 2018, the university sought to create a superior space for higher education study and the exploration of sustainable design in the Clark Hall Sheds while maintaining the integrity of the building’s 18th century roots and create a superior space for higher education study. The university started the renovation project by requesting architecture graduate students and academic leadership survey faculty and staff on what changes they wanted. The three-fold effort called for increased capacity and functionality of Clark Hall, a more pleasing and conducive learning environment for students, and a significant increase in building efficiency.

Within the historic brick walls of the Clark Hall Sheds, the university's design team set out to solve the noise and temperature issues by constructing self-contained classrooms and workshops, each with its own roof, all under the original structure's high ceiling. Sound-deadening insulation keeps voices and machine noise out during classroom instruction, and each room has a glass wall allowing light, life, and energy to flow in. Modern furnishings in these rooms reflect the professional spaces most students will work in after graduation.

The project converted the partitioned interior into permanent spaces for 12 design studio classrooms, two computer labs, a materials library with samples from furniture design partners and industry trendsetters, a maker space with laser cutters and 3D printers, and a model shop, and added outdoor assembly space for large-scale academic projects.

To meet the sustainability goals of the renovation, the roof was insulated, a modern HVAC system was installed, solar panels, LED lighting, and water-conserving plumbing were added, and elements chosen for flooring and wallcoverings were made from recycled material. The results of these updates are a 40% reduction in energy use, 18 percent of the building’s energy coming from the solar panels, and a more comfortable environment for students.

The project team carefully crafted the parti engaging and respecting the historic fabric of both structures. The clean, modern interior design inserted in to the historic shell accentuates the tall ceilings and existing structure. A more reserved approach was taken in the 1887 structure to preserve the historic fabric of the trim and decorative wainscot.

The updated modern design, finishes, and furnishings are consistent with the professional setting in which the students will work upon graduation.