The Kennesaw State University Master Plan outlines a vision to “better support the student experience by improving opportunities for collaboration and interaction to direct future development.” The historic structure of the campus is recognized for the excellent framework it provides to support increased campus density, and is embraced as a key component of reestablishing the historic look and feel of buildings like the Crawford Lab, while bringing them to modern day uses and code requirements. Sizemore Group served as the designer and architect to envision this “new” version of old architecture – while navigating creative funding challenges and sources.

Sizemore Group worked to return the two-story Crawford Lab building to a “new version” of its original glory from 1959. One essential step was removing an “add-on” construct that enclosed the original covered walkway and did not align with the historic look and feel. With its removal, the addition of full height storefront, and the original brick facade exposed, the new design allowed for daylight and openness similar to the original design, while providing usable student space that embraced the original brise solei as a primary architectural feature.

Revising the building to meet today’s demand, Sizemore Group also adapted the space to incorporate modern labs and a classroom that serve multiple programs, along with faculty offices and student study lounge area as well. The facility will serve programs like Biology, Physics, Architectural and Construction Management, among others.

With original concepts emerging around the time of the pandemic, this project – like many at the time – experienced programmatic modifications that resulted in plan and funding changes. The new, more complex vision nearly doubled the $4M original budget, resulting in the need for additional funding sources. Sizemore Group worked creatively and collaboratively with KSU and Leapley Construction to support the requirements of two additional funding sources, and the corresponding three scopes of work required to bring the project to life. Each scope was prepared to reflect three separate projects, drawing sets, and budgets that align and run concurrent with – yet independently of – each other over the course of the approximately year-long project that kicked off July 2023.

As the students and faculty return to class, they are enthusiastic about the newly designed building that sets the stage for learning – while allowing for the flexibility of shared spaces. There is a heavy appreciation for the historic aspects of the building: unique historic elements will soon be displayed within the building, while original brick and other features are more prominently incorporated into the architectural plan designed to infuse vitality, life, and collaboration with the students’ formal classrooms.