Newhouse Facility, Syracuse University
As part of Syracuse University’s Academic Renewal Plan and Newhouse School’s strategic plan, Ashley McGraw Architects is currently modernizing the academic landscape for Newhouse I 2nd Floor, Newhouse I 101 & 102 Registrar Classrooms, and Newhouse II 4th Floor Audio and Post-Production Studios. These spaces are transformed from static lecture halls to high-performing dynamic spaces for active learning and diverse curriculum and student needs. The design enhances the student experience/first introduction to Syracuse University with a strong sense of arrival, is welcoming, and provides a showcase for SU’s standard of learning environment.
101 & 102 Registrar Classrooms:
The 4,000 sq ft transformation revamps two classrooms with updated, ADA-compliant seating and large state-of-the-art video walls. Movable tables and chairs for dynamic teaching environments, ramps for accessible tiered seating, and cutting-edge AV systems with programmable adjustable lighting create interactive and accessible learning for 170 Syracuse University students. For these two classrooms we prioritized high capacity, flexible layouts, universal accessibility, advanced technology, and improved acoustics. Our planning process was centered on how these spaces could support active learning and new teaching models.
Agency Spaces:
Consisting of two flexible active learning classrooms and a collaborative lounge space, the new Agency spaces showcases the Advertising & PR program to prospective students, and engages industry partners to participate in presentations and workshops. The variety of furniture, transparency, and vibrant and funky finishes speak to the career environment associated with an Advertising firm, coupled with technology, writable surface, and an operable partition ensure a dynamic educational experience within an existing space with tight space constraints.
Startup Garage:
The new Agency and Startup Garage respond to program needs by offering a dedicated base for PR & Advertising and a dynamic co-working hub for student–industry collaboration. We relied on deep stakeholder engagement and iterative test-fit sessions to ensure these environments reflect real-world professional settings. The result is an engaging space for students and startup companies to collaborate, create, and innovate.
The space is designed to be versatile supporting individual, small group, and impromptu startup work, as well as providing studio, seminar, class, and lounge space for various programming. The vibrant design highlights the “garage” mindset—the humble and iconic beginnings of startups and participating companies. A raw box outlines the space to complement the startup garage aesthetic, while a secondary layer of acoustical treatment, lighting, and ceiling accents distinguishes classroom areas from collaboration zones, leaving the overall space open for flexibility and adaptability.
Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Television Radio & Film, and Bandier:
The 4th-floor renovation for Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Television, Radio & Film, and Bandier brought together previously scattered programs, using benchmarking and programming to deliver flexible, tech-forward spaces that simulate industry environments and support evolving curricular needs. Promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and mirroring real-world industry standards, the schematic design works within the structural and infrastructure constraints of the top floor of the 1974 I.M. Pei building. The design establishes clear wayfinding to welcome students and encourage navigation throughout the floor, offering views into dynamic environments. Each program has a distinct “neighborhood” to optimize space adjacencies, manage access to (or intentional absence of) natural light, and reinforce program identity, while collaborative areas and branded display alcoves provide a cohesive experience. Extensive acoustic and technology considerations are integrated into the design to ensure proper tuning of each space.
Photography: Revette Studio
