Duke University
Engineering Made Prominent on the Quad
Duke University
Hudson Hall
The goal of the Pratt School of Engineering’s vision for Hudson Hall was to position the facility as a vibrant student-focused center and modern research building that recognizes the building’s historic value to generations of engineering alumni and to the broader campus community while providing equitable, safe and flexible learning and research environments that promote curiosity and discovery. A building renewal designed by Ballinger and TenBerke encloses existing exterior courtyards to form a new multi-story, light-filled atrium embraced by the building’s historic brick wings. The 190,000 SF renovation and expansion will sensitively restore the 1948 building’s historic brick exterior while expanding teaching spaces and quadrupling the amount of student social space.
key information
The new atrium serves as the heart of Pratt Engineering, an active hub of learning and collaboration for year-round student activities, that unifies Harrington and Levine Science Research Center (LSRC) Quads with interior pathways, enabling interdisciplinary connections. The vision is focused on long-term flexibility and functionality, providing a modernized framework for classrooms and laboratories planned for adaptation allowing the School of Engineering to evolve the use of these spaces as needs change.
“Our entire Duke Engineering community is very excited about the prospects of modernizing Hudson Hall — this iconic structure is central to Pratt's identity and history. We are confident the modernized building will offer classrooms that enhance the learning of our students, expanded research spaces that deepen our interdisciplinary traditions and social spaces that will create a closer-knit and resilient Pratt community.”
Jerome Lynch Vinik Dean of Engineering
