Barnard College Columbia University

Location: Milbank Hall Admissions Area, New York, NY

The Lobby and Admissions Office to this renowned college is the initial impression for new or potential students. As competition heightens among colleges and universities to admit top students, Barnard College wanted to upgrade the Admissions Area to reflect the prestige of the school and remain competitive.

The Lobby and Admissions Office were to remain in their existing location in Milbank Hall. Both areas had not been renovated since their original construction.

The Lobby required a segregated waiting area with displays for school awards of recognition and distinction. The Admissions Office required a more structured division for the receptionist, waiting area and interview rooms.

The original architecture consisted of traditional cornice moldings, columns with detailed capitals, and plaster balustrades. In order to keep the charm and class of the old world, new structures were designed to compliment the old. In the Lobby, the new waiting area was enclosed with new plaster casted balustrades, molded from the existing staircase balustrade. Decorative display cases were mounted on the walls to display their awards. The Admissions Office was partitioned with 3/4 height walls, so as not to interfere with the existing air circulation, lighting, or vaulted ceilings. New architectural moldings and custom doors were designed to compliment the old detailing and to look original.

The new furniture, wood floor, area rugs, lighting, paint colors and wallcovering were all selected to add character, charm, warmth and a sense of confidence.