The renovation of the Distance Learning Center at Jordan Hall, located in Geneva, New York, on Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, supports the entire campus and extension programs in the agricultural community.

The core project team and the project working group provided input in the initial programming study to confirm and develop all required functions. Information gathering and program confirmation meetings were convened to formulate the program and review the pre-schematic concept design options. The final solution locates the three flexible distance learning classrooms and support spaces on the second floor of the historic building, with accessible toilet facilities to serve the building on the first floor. The main lecture hall accommodates large and small conferences, video conferencing, and breakouts of smaller groups, while a second classroom supports smaller groups. 

Audiovisual systems, coupled with acoustic treatments at the walls and ceiling, have greatly improved the presentation and conferencing technology and the acoustic comfort of the rooms, employing the Cornell Type 2 A/V setup. The project required careful coordination with Cornell CIT/AV staff to ensure Cornell faculty user familiarity and convenience while providing a state-of-the-art installation.