Howey Physics Building Lecture Halls Undergo Multi-Phase Renovation

Renovation of four large lecture halls in the Howey Physics Building began in May 2019.  Originally constructed in 1967, this is the first major renovation in over 50 years for the building.  With an emphasis on respecting the historic character of the structure while balancing the needs for improved instructional space, the renovations will occur over several semesters. 

In the first phase of construction from May – mid August of 2019, much of the older infrastructure will be addressed with the replacement of the water piping and the HVAC system.  Additional renovations include solving a structural problem with the floor slab, replacing lobby masonry, and updating and expanding the restrooms.  A gender-neutral restroom will also be created. 

Renovation will be halted at the end of the summer to allow for Fall 2019 classes to resume in all four halls of the building.  The Institute is focusing on making sure that courses scheduled in the building during this time are a good fit for capacity and accessibility.

Progress will begin again during the Spring 2020 semester with a focus on Lecture Halls 3 and 4.  During that time, Hall 2 will serve as a construction noise buffer and Hall 1 will remain open for classes.

Further updates will be available as the renovation progresses.  For more information, contact Nicolas Palfrey, Project Manager, Facilities Design & Construction at Nicholas.palfrey@facilities.gatech.edu.

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Howey Physics Building Lecture Halls Renovation Project

Renovation of the four large lecture halls in the Howey Physics Building began in May 2019.  This building is one of the most heavily-used instructional spaces on campus and the renovation is a welcome change.

This revitalization will showcase modern materials, including polished concrete and glass, while incorporating the exposed brick, terrazzo flooring and light wood materials from its origins.  The new design of the auditoriums will incorporate state of the art technology and sound engineering to maximize the student learning experience.  Integrated seating in the adjacent lobby and corridor spaces will provide much needed interactive spaces for students before and after class.

The first stage of renovation addresses the bones of the building, replacing chilled and hot water piping, along with the mechanical units.  A structural problem with the floor slab will be addressed, removing the existing cracked floor and masonry. A temporary floor will be installed with the final flooring complete by the Spring of 2020.  

The renovation will substantially affect the restroom configuration.  When the Howey Physics Building was originally constructed, plumbing codes and the Institute’s student demographics were radically different.  Currently the Lecture Hall wing has eight male restroom stalls to one female restroom stall.  This imbalance will be addressed by taking the old projection room for Lecture Hall 1 and turning it into a new men’s restroom.  The existing men's restroom will be expanded to create a much larger women’s restroom, and a new gender-neutral restroom will be added.

Because the Howey Physics Building is a hub of learning activity, work will stop at the end of the summer to allow classes to occur in the lecture halls during the Fall 2019 Semester.  The Institute is focusing on making sure that courses scheduled in the building during this time are a good fit for capacity and accessibility.

The main initiative will commence in the Spring 2020 Semester.  Lecture Halls 3 and 4 will undergo a substantial renovation to update them to serve contemporary educational needs. Lecture Hall 2 will serve as a buffer from any construction noise and Lecture Hall 1 will be available for classes. During the Summer 2020 Semester, all four lecture halls will be undergoing renovation.  At the end of the summer, work in Lecture Halls 3 and 4 will be complete, and construction will shift to Lecture Halls 1 and 2 during the Fall 2020 Semester.    Lecture Hall 4 will be available for classes and Lecture Hall 3 will serve as a noise buffer. 

The addition of a central aisle in the larger lecture halls 1 and 4 will improve movement and flow within the space .  The two smaller lecture halls, 2 and 3, will undergo a more substantial change, building out the existing tiers to allow two rows of chairs per tier.   This renovation will allow the front row to turn around and work collaboratively with the row behind on group tasks and various active-learning projects. 

Overall, the renovation will touch the space fairly lightly, pulling inspiration from its midcentury modern heritage to transform the learning and teaching components.  The renovation project should be completed in time for Spring Semester classes in January 2021.