Kelly Hall
Located on Drexel University’s West Philadelphia campus, the 1967 residence hall had become unsuited to the needs of contemporary students. The project transforms the building and the surrounding site to make it relevant for the next generation of Drexel students. By taking advantage of the grade change along the site, Moto as Associate Architect to SCB, excavated the lower level, opening the space to natural light. A 4,000 square-foot addition extends the ground floor and lower level to accommodate the student support spaces necessary for a thriving residential community.
Spangler Walk is a heavily used student passage through this campus precinct. It connects the residential neighborhood to the north with the heart of Drexel’s academic campus to the south. The expansion of Kelly Hall with a podium that strategically engages this pathway, the building and the landscape are woven together.
Academic classrooms are nested inward, alongside study spaces for increased privacy and focus, while remaining open and visible to the student commons.
The bright and spacious commons doubles as a multi-purpose space for learning, networking, studying, and gathering.
