Wesleyan University Frank Center for Public Affairs

The gut renovation and expansion of the historic Frank Center for Public Affairs at Wesleyan University initiates a transition from the traditional teacher-centered classroom and faculty office models to flexible, responsive environments that support active, student-centered collaborative activities and new paradigms for faculty work.

The design of the project reorganizes interior space in the existing building, a 1927 McKim, Mead, and White former dormitory and replaces an undersized 1954 classroom addition with a new multi-story wing. The first floor will house a new collaboration commons with a “forum” gathering space and roof garden. Newman is also serving as architect of record for the replacement of a small 1954 connector to the main library with a larger connector containing a new university art gallery suite, designed by Peterson Rich Office.