Emory African American Studies Renovation

PRAXIS3 worked with Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences to relocate and expand the offices for African American Studies in the historic Candler Library building. The suite had limited access to natural daylight, so it was important to create offices and student spaces that capitalized on the windows and views. The renovation included an open hospitality bar, library shelving, and seating area at the entrance to the suite, which had visibility to the Quad, so students felt comfortable using the suite for respite and connectivity when they visited the space. The offices were arranged so that all spaces had a visual connection to daylight but utilize frosted film and solid doors to allow occupants to moderate privacy. A new suite entrance was created that was more open and inviting. The Department displays a fabulous collection of African American art, so the suite was designed with plenty of gallery walls to allow those artwork pieces to create a story throughout the suite.