In the fall of 2018, the State University Construction Fund (SUCF) engaged Chiang O’Brien to provide design services for a complete renovation and addition to the Louis Marshall Memorial Hall and its immediate site surroundings on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) campus. Marshall Hall, a 90,000 gross-square-foot academic building, was constructed in 1933 and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The renovation optimizes space for the main building occupants and serves the entire campus. New retrofitted entrances, a bridge to Bray Hall, and a vertical circulation tower addition provide ADA access to the building and help with campus access on the topographically challenged campus–there is a two-story change in elevation from one end of the building to the other.

Following program approval, four design concepts were developed addressing department identities, reorganizing studios, classrooms, and offices for better wayfinding and flow, and creating instructional spaces to meet the demands of modern-day pedagogies. Attributes from the various design concepts were combined and refined to develop the approved concept. The final concept reorganizes the building to create distinct identities for all three departments and provides a modern vertical circulation tower addition.

Public-facing department functions, a landscape architecture gallery, digital storytelling spaces, department offices, an auditorium, and heavily-used classroom spaces are located on the first floor.

Classrooms and large student lounge spaces are situated on the secondary entry and basement floor.

Faculty offices, community kitchenettes, corridor seating, and transparent huddle rooms are located on the second floor.

The Landscape Architecture Studios along with terrace seating area coalesce on the third floor.

Every floor is filled with ample collaborative spaces, like the terraced seating on the third floor outside the design studios.

Research, design, and computer production spaces are located on the top sky-lit fourth floor.

The renovation and expansion of Marshall Hall feature a dynamic array of spaces, including spacious classrooms, professional offices, and both formal and casual seating areas that encourage collaboration. Specialty program spaces are thoughtfully integrated, offering focused environments tailored for specific academic needs. Each floor is designed with unique surprises and inviting details that captivate and inspire. This project not only preserves the historic architecture of the original structure but also introduces modern elements such as clean lines, abundant natural light, and vibrant color schemes, creating a contemporary academic hub that enhances the campus experience.