Arnhold Hall Cultural Center

New York, NY

Client: The New School
Completion: 2003
Area: 27,000 sf

The design of The New School Arnhold Hall Cultural Center employs accents of light to guide visitors through the experience of the space. The project is the final stage in the conversion of a 19th century former department store to academic use as part of the University’s urban campus. Encompassing the redesign of the first, mezzanine, and second floors, the project provides a new venue for academic and performing arts events serving the University’s diverse student population. Flexible multi-purpose spaces were created for large and small meetings, dinners, entertainment, executive dining, pre-function events, and exhibits. Anchored by a distinctive staircase leading to the second floor, the lobby was renovated and expanded A site-specific artwork by Sol LeWitt stretches from the front door to the second floor and identifies this location as one of the main buildings within the University.