DESIGNWORKS 2019

Duke University/Crowell Quadrangle

Durham, North Carolina

Clark Nexsen

Leslie Vollbrecht (Interior Designer), Jennifer Heintz (Architect), Cathleen Campbell (Designer)

Craven and Crowell Quadrangles are as synonymous with the classic gothic architecture of the Duke University Campus as the Chapel itself. Forming the heart of the historic residential community of West Campus, Crowell Quadrangle’s interior and exterior were primarily original construction, with few modernizations. Duke’s charge was to reimagine student accommodation and amenities to align with those provided in newer residence halls.

Each Quadrangle is comprised of houses for student life groups, fraternities, etc. The design team worked closely with the University to strengthen House identities and branding. House commons rooms were relocated to the first floors to link them with the “front door” of each house. The front door is tied to a main stair, which provided a branding opportunity with house letters routed in painted MDF and back-painted glass occupant logos.

Color became the wayfinding thread that wove its way through the vertical circulation of the main stair; house corridor and room signage; and culminated in the “hearth” of the house, which in this case is the commons room. Color was carefully selected to complement the logo of each house occupant. Custom designed room signs include a glass markerboard with color-coded number. Overhead signs in corridors indicate the house you are entering and exiting and reveals match with the asymmetrical corridor lighting, while colors match trim and house.

Kitchens were updated with glass storefront, quartz countertops, glass backsplashes and stainless steel appliances. Commons and studies were provided with new furniture, artwork and accessories and continue the color thread.