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HIGGINS HALL INSERTION, PRATT INSTITUTE

Brooklyn, NY, United States. 2005

Description +

PROGRAM: wing for an architecture school containing: lobby, gallery, studios, auditorium, digital resource center, review room, gallery terrace, workshops

CLIENT: Pratt Institute

SIZE: 22,500 sq ft

STATUS: Complete

The dissonance between the floor plates is opened at the center with panes of clear glass, allowing a view to the east court and marking an entry to the west. A two-throated skylight marks the top, striking dissonance and joining two types of light. South and north light are combined analogous to harmonious sounds in a dissonant chord. Brick from the burned section is recycled into a slumped brick and concrete base forming an entrance and viewing terrace. Rising from the burnt brick is a concrete frame supported on 6 columns spanned with concrete and sheathed with structural glass planks. An economical industrial material with translucent insulation, the planks span between floors, creating a translucent glow at night.

Credits +

  • architect

    - Steven Holl Architects

    Steven Holl (design architect)

    Tim Bade (associate in charge)

    Makram El-Kadi (project architect)

    Martin Cox, Annette Goderbauer, Erik Fenstad Langdalen (project team)

  • local architect

    - Rogers Marvel Architects

  • structural engineer

    - Robert Silman Associates

  • mechanical engineer

    - Ove Arup

  • curtain wall consultant

    - R.A. Heintges & Associates

  • lighting consultant

    - Arc Lighting Design

  • construction manager

    - F.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc.

Quotes +


  • Annette Lecuyer, The Architectural Review, February 2006 "Through its direct expression of materials and details, the building enables the architecture school to play a didactic role for the students it houses. This quiet, spare insertion does not ape the old buildings but has its own distinct identity, creating an ensemble that provides welcome public and educational amenities and strengthens Pratt’s presence in the city."

Awards +


  • 2006 Roger H. Corbetta Merit Award, Concrete Industry Board
  • 2007 AIA NEW YORK CHAPTER ARCHITECTURE HONOR AWARD
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