RND Architects: Project: Durham City Hall Renovation

Governmental

Durham City Hall Renovation

LOCATION
Durham, NC

SERVICES
Space Utilization Space Planning Renovation/Adaptive Re-use Programming Interior Design Condition Assessments BIM Modeling

CHALLENGE

1.Most of the City Hall Departments had outgrown their current space, thus, morale and efficiency of staff was declining due to working conditions.
2. Large vacant areas in City Hall had begun to be used for storage, a very inefficient use of valuable and needed expansion space.
3. Existing Demountable Partitions originally installed for flexibility of reconfiguring offices were not being used as intended and most had never been moved from originally installed locations.
4. Existing HVAC system did not meet current ventilation standards of Code, or efficiency of systems and sustainability (energy conservation).
5. Communications and Electrical service was inadequate for integration of modern technology.
6. finding the various departments in City Hall was difficult for citizens and visitors due to outdated and inaccurate signage.

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SOLUTION

1. RND Architects met with each department and projected staffing growth for the coming years, and developed an anticipated space allocation schedule of space needs based on their anticipated growth. This schedule was used to guide to location, and size of the department in the renovation.
2. RND Architects identified City Departments that were growing in staffing or space needs and reallocated a majority of the vacant spaces found in City Hall to these departments which meant moving entire departments around to optimize the available space within the original footprint of City Hall.
3. RND Architects removed all demountable partitions in renovated areas and replaced these with metal stud and drywall construction creating a more pleasing environment and better sound control between offices.
4. RND Architects upgraded the HVAC system to provide constant ventilation in all spaces with zone control for improved occupant comfort and health.
5. RND Architects updated communications wiring including fiber optic and Cat 6 cabling allowed the transition to VOIP phone system. Electrical service to offices was standardized providing consistent services in offices to facilitate flexibility for future use.
6. RND Architects coordinated the replacement of all City Hall Signage with an integrated interior and exterior signage package through a detailed analysis of the renovated facility and the traffic patterns created.