Community College of Rhode Island

knight campus art studios

Warwick, Rhode Island

Located in Warwick, RI, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) building was designed by Perkins and Will and erected in 1972, a visionary piece of Modernism. It aimed to create an integrated city in a building to promote interaction and democracy. The CCRI building houses all of its facilities under a single roof, a concrete megastructure that provides open social exchange between every academic discipline. designLAB participated in this exchange by providing the new programming and design for CCRI’s Art Department Studios.

The 8,500 sf renovation transformed their existing space into distinct art studios, providing quiet work areas for both the 2D and 3D arts. Open and inviting faculty offices were added and a digital-media hub encourages student collaboration and creativity. The materials selected are both vibrant and durable, which lends a strong identity to the suite while enabling its use as a true venue for experimentation and expression. The renovation includes upgraded HVAC system, building and fire code conformity, and roof and window replacement.

  • Type: Renovation

    Size: 8,500 SF

    Status: Completed, 2015

    Photography: Peter Vanderwarker

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impact

The mission of the CCRI Department of Art, Art History and Design Department is to provide a strong foundation in the visual arts whereby students learn the concepts, skills, and vocabulary to enable them to create and understand art as a means of visual expression and communication.

The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers an Associate of Fine Art Degree (A.F.A.) and a Certificate in Graphic Design.

Look With Your Eyes Not Your Mouth by Faith Lapierre