Villanova University, Drosdick Hall underwent a $125 million, 150,000-square-foot expansion to house the new College of Engineering, joining all the engineering students in a collaborative, innovative environment. The expansion includes research laboratory spaces, a two-story innovation lab, learning commons, green roofs, and state-of-the-art instruction spaces. Replicating the original gothic-styled architecture, the expansion maintains Villanova’s traditional aesthetic, while implementing a futuristic and “techy” feel. The use of historic, traditional lighting, such as wall sconces and pendants, in the building’s entries and lounge spaces, pays homage to the original architecture. As a lab building, modern lighting fixtures were necessary in the science and maker spaces. Indirect cove lighting and regressed perimeter lighting blends between those two themes, creating visual brightness on the solid interior surfaces as the core of the building lacked exterior windows.
The three-story atrium serves as the heart of the learning commons, designed to evoke the feel of an outdoor courtyard. The lighting design incorporates four distinct layers to create a cohesive and dynamic atmosphere. The primary light source comes from the wall-mounted, adjustable floodlight heads positioned on rails along the interior columns. These lights lend a “techy” aesthetic that complements the building’s futuristic science and maker spaces. The second and third layers of light consist of cove lighting running along the base of the windows on the second and third floors. This creates a soft, natural glow on the ceiling and helps illuminate the edges of the space, maintaining an open, airy feel. The final layer of illumination comes from the decorative wall sconces on the ground floor, featuring large amber filament bulbs. These lights offer visual sparkle at the interior columns, drawing inspiration from Villanova’s historic gothic architecture. Together, these elements form an inviting and visually pleasing focal point that enhances the overall experience for students.
Client
Villanova University
