SLAM (The S/L/A/M Collaborative) has earned the prestigious 2022 Palladio Award in the New Design and Construction – more than 30,000 sq. ft. category for the Thomas and Donna May College for Arts & Sciences at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. This award builds on SLAM’s long history in the preservation of classical architecture across numerous academic campuses nationwide.
The Palladio Award recognizes outstanding achievements in traditional design that meet the functional needs of contemporary usage while applying lessons learned from previous generations. Judging considerations included refinement and appropriateness of the design; suitability of design in relation to the program and the project’s context; appropriate selection and use of materials, quality of construction and craftsmanship; and overall design excellence. Period pieces create beauty in the built environment.
For Stonehill College, a return to its roots in classical architecture began with the original estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames Jr.’s 19th century Georgian estate, now named Donohue Hall. The building serves as the office of the college administration as well as the inspiration for Stonehill’s revival of Georgian architecture. The new classical quadrangle forms an architectural cohesiveness and revival on the campus, a hub that grounds the students, faculty, and visitors.
As part of SLAM’s one-firm approach, a national integrated team was formed and led by the firm’s Boston office to develop a campus master plan that envisioned the design and creation of a new quadrangle. The master plan includes the new and adjacent Leo J. Meehan School of Business located on the quadrangle, designed by SLAM.
“Our designs draw inspiration from our client’s identify and heritage that is reflected in the Stonehill’s motto – Lux et Spes, Light and Hope,” says Neil Martin, design principal, SLAM. “We are honored to play an integral role in Stonehill’s amazing transformation underscored by the preservation and celebration of their Georgian architectural story on campus and now recognized by this Palladio Award.”
Stepping back from the 36,000-square-foot building’s portico, a sense of accomplishment resonates beyond the white pillars. The classical articulation created is not easily achieved with the amount of technology intrinsic to today’s campus experience. An outdoor terrace, large gallery; large classrooms and seminar rooms integrated with offices to enhance faculty and student interaction. The first floor features a bookstore, Au bon Pain café; a world-class lecture hall with the capacity for 350+ people; and a new home for the Admission Office. The second-floor houses collaborative space that fronts and activates the new quad. Students can gather here in between classes to study and collaborate while enjoying the campus view.
“We have had the fortune of working with Stonehill College since our first introduction to the campus with a new Science Center completed in 2006,” says Rick Polvino, managing principal, SLAM. “Delivering that project on-time and on-budget, SLAM has since worked with college leadership, faculty, staff, and donors on multiple capital projects that continues to shape their campus.”
Rick adds, “We are thrilled to see our work transform this campus and to be recognized on a national level.”
In 2015, SLAM received a Palladio Award for design of the Ruane Center for the Humanities at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Palladio Awards will be presented on June 14, 2022, in Newport, RI. For more information on all winning projects, please visit 2022 Palladio Award Winners – Traditional Building.
