Georgia Institute of Technology, J.S. Coon Building

The 1912 J.S. Coon Building had sustained its original purpose longer than any building at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It housed the School of Mechanical Engineering until the 2001 decision to renovate the building for the School of Psychology.
Critical to the program were the following parameters and decisions:
-Administrative/faculty offices were situated to take advantage of the large exterior windows, while providing an acoustic buffer from street noise for the acoustically sensitive research/support spaces.
-A mezzanine was added in the 8,700-square-foot “shop building.” This created space for graduate student offices, complemented the original open structure and wood deck ceiling, and increased the available area to 13,620 square feet. Additional design impact was achieved by using hallway crossings, elevator lobbies, and other spaces for informal meeting and student gathering areas.
-A vertical circulation utility core was added between the building’s three wings. This provided six-level elevator access, new toilets, mechanical rooms and electrical/data closets.
The architect maintained Georgia’s historic-preservation requirements, enhancing the historic J.S. Coon character while providing distinctive spaces within a unique program arrangement.

Additional Information

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