A College of Design at College Park: Adaptive Reuse of Cole Field House

Abstract

Both art and architecture deal with the physical environment, and both disciplines deal with the interpretation of history to manifest something new. This thesis proposes a College of Design to combine the University of Maryland's fine arts and design programs into a single entity in one instructional, collegiate live-work complex. The new facility will be an expression of a set of design values including a commitment to sustainable building practices, the conservation of the existing building fabric through reinterpretation, and a critical disposition towards design practice and studio culture. The goal is to create an interdisciplinary environment which facilitates collaboration and encourages experimentation.