The 2020 completion of the “Reimagining Robertson” project brought the culmination of two years of updates and renovations in our flagship building on Princeton’s campus. If you haven’t already, I invite you to watch this video created by SPIA visual design specialist Egan Jimenez, which provides a look back at the intensive construction process and a mini-tour of the finished building.

In 2015, responses to a self-study from faculty and students revealed a desire for a more collaborative, efficient environment for teaching, learning, and research. As a result of these needs and a number of other goals — including improving the building’s acoustics, thermal comfort, and directional signage; demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the health and wellbeing of our community; and ensuring that gathering spaces are durable and flexible — the Reimagining Robertson project was launched.

Newly created student huddle rooms will feature large, wall-mounted monitors to be installed later this year — allowing students to collaborate on projects or study in small groups. The upper levels feature modern conference and meeting rooms, a newly created rear exit to Arthur Lewis Auditorium, operable windows, and redesigned main building entrances to Dodds Atrium. To improve hybrid teaching and learning, AV equipment in bowls 001, 002, and 016 is currently being upgraded. The Reimagining Robertson renovations also brought new paint, carpeting, and furniture to the Ph.D. carrel rooms and the two computer clusters, as well as the graduate student lounge. Lower level hallways were also upgraded with new carpeting, paint, and ceiling finishes.

It is our hope that, post-Covid, the redesigned Robertson Hall will provide a highly collaborative environment that respects the building’s unique architectural heritage while meeting our community’s current and future needs. The School’s leadership and I look forward to the time when we can welcome everyone to the building in person.