Walter Commons for Global Study & Engagement

This project renovated a prominent historic Connecticut College building to establish a cutting-edge hub that facilitates collaboration and enhances connectivity on campus, in the community and around the globe.

The Global Commons educational program was established as a top initiative from the strategic plan for Conn College. Global Commons integrates the college with world languages and facilitates off-campus learning and global engagement. With the completion of this project, the program will have a home on campus for the first time, the Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement.

Client

Connecticut College

Location New London, CT
Size 5,500 Sq. Ft.
Features renovation
Program meeting spaces, study spaces, offices
Year Completed 2018
Photo Credit Derek Hayn/Centerbrook

The renovation transformed the ground floor of the Blaustein Humanities Center with a collaboration space, a language lab, conference room and related offices. The space facilitates drop-in advising for students, study abroad re-departure and re-entry programs, team and community collaboration and language tutoring. The language lab features “Zoom Room” technology and dedicated space that enables connection with domestic and global partners for networked teaching.

Previously dispersed across campus, the Global Commons brought together the offices for Study Away, the Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts, the Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity and the Office of Global Initiatives.

Built in 1929, Blaustein is one of the most prominently placed buildings on campus, situated between the college green and the library. Upon completion, the Commons for Global Study and Engagement was added as a featured stop on the official campus tour.

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