Vassar College, Swift Hall

Poughkeepsie, NY

Swift Hall dates back to 1900, when it was built as the Infirmary for the all-girls’ college. In 1941 the building was converted for use as departmental offices and classrooms for the History Department, who has occupied it since. We were retained to perform a conditions assessment report, to create a program, and preliminary design options for basic improvements to meet their teaching, organizational, and general comfort needs. The feasibility study addressed improving energy and spatial efficiency, adding office space for full and part-time faculty, and update ADA accessibility requirements while maintaining the historic character of the building. In April 2011 the schematic design phase was completed.