ABSTRACT
Summary
The College of Design’s new Rapson Hall at the University of Minnesota represents two styles of architecture from two different eras. The original Architecture Building, constructed in i960, reflects the modern design approach of that time. The addition, designed by Steven Holl and completed in 2001, both complements and contrasts with the older building.
Despite the addition and remodeled older building, Rapson Hall still lacks adequate space to accommodate increased enrollment. To assess where to invest in future improvements, a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) was conducted. The POE primarily addressed the functional aspects of each type of space (e.g., library, classrooms, computer lab, offices/workspaces, studios) within Rapson Hall. The POE had two main tasks. We conducted (1) extensive surveys of faculty, staff, and students, and (2) focus groups with faculty, staff, and maintenance workers. In addition, detailed lighting measurements were obtained in several spaces. This chapter presents a representative sample of findings from the surveys and focus groups, as well as conclusions from the POEs broader set of data.
Results of the POE indicate that the building’s users appreciate many of 152the spaces, but noted some problems with glare, acoustics, thermal comfort, and ventilation. Many of these problems can be traced to budget shortfall and decisions to place a higher priority on other design features. Attempts are underway to address these problems.
