Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT

Balancing comfort and functionality. 

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats. © Joshua Simpson
Ancillary spaces outside the lecture hall can be used for architecture reviews, pinups, and informal gatherings before and after class. © Joshua Simpson
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
Template Plan. © Marvel

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
© Joshua Simpson
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
© Marvel
© Marvel
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
© Joshua Simpson
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Balancing comfort and functionality.

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N12 medium
A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N17 medium
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier R 240624 N15 medium

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N19 medium
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N13 medium
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N20 medium
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N15 medium
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N9 medium
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten N6 medium
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten medium
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N14 medium
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT

Balancing comfort and functionality. 

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats. © Joshua Simpson
Ancillary spaces outside the lecture hall can be used for architecture reviews, pinups, and informal gatherings before and after class. © Joshua Simpson
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
Template Plan. © Marvel

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
© Joshua Simpson
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
© Marvel
© Marvel
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
© Joshua Simpson
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Balancing comfort and functionality.

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N12 medium
A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N17 medium
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier R 240624 N15 medium

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N19 medium
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N13 medium
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N20 medium
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N15 medium
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N9 medium
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten N6 medium
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten medium
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N14 medium
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT

Balancing comfort and functionality. 

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats. © Joshua Simpson
Ancillary spaces outside the lecture hall can be used for architecture reviews, pinups, and informal gatherings before and after class. © Joshua Simpson
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
Template Plan. © Marvel

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
© Joshua Simpson
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
© Marvel
© Marvel
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
© Joshua Simpson
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Balancing comfort and functionality.

The Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance its primary lecture hall's interiors and technology. Upgrades included a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and a 49-seat tiered seminar room, both equipped with new seats, custom-designed acoustic wall panels, ceiling baffles, and impressive millwork prosceniums. These enhancements boosted comfort and functionality with cushioned seats, ample power outlets, and broad working surfaces. State-of-the-art high-definition projection and surround sound audio systems facilitate advanced 3D visualization courses. Magnetic whiteboards double as pinup spaces, while improved accessibility for both presenters and audience members ensures inclusivity. The room’s multiple lighting zones allow diverse events and presentations.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N12 medium
A millwork proscenium wraps the presenter area and focuses the room for the 135 seats.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N17 medium
The lecture hall renovations extended to the prefunction space outside the room to unify the spaces into one. Gathering and student pinups can happen simultaneously while lectures are ongoing in the hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier R 240624 N15 medium

At the heart of this project were two learning spaces: a 135-seat auditorium-style classroom and an intimate 49-seat tiered seminar room. Both have been upgraded with new seating, custom-designed felt acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, and dramatic millwork prosceniums.

1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N19 medium
All seats feature cushions for seat and back, while ample power outlets and spacious work surfaces readily accommodate the needs of today's laptop users.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N13 medium
Overflow bench style seating at the room rear provides excess capacity and seating variety in the large lecture hall.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N20 medium
The smaller, 49-seat lecture hall offers a more intimate space for recitations and engaging with students. The modern seating system provides ample worksurface for student devices.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N15 medium
This comprehensive makeover brings the interior finishes and technology in line with the college's strategic objectives pertaining to academic performance and recruitment.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N9 medium
The seating arrangement and  intimate room set up also aids in promoting student interaction.
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten N6 medium
NJIT's signature red colorway was used the upholstery, linking the space to the greater university palette.⁠
1827 NJIT Hillier Tim Gersten medium
Facilitating HCAD's most advanced 3D visualization courses, both rooms include high-definition projection and surround sound audio.
1827 NJIT Hillier Joshua Simpson N14 medium
Presenters and audience members alike benefit from the new accessible podium and room controls, strategically placed accessible seating, and hearing assist stations.

Location

Newark, NJ

Client

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Typology

Size

4,649 SF

Design Team

Guido Hartray, Jennifer Olson, Chit Yee Ng

Consultants

KeRi Engineering (MEPFP), Jim Conti (Lighting Designer), Silman (Structural), The Sextant Group / NV5 (AV,IT), CCI (Code and Accessibility)