Belmont University: O'More College of Architecture and Design Expansion Study

Anthony N. Monica, AIA

The O’More College renovation and addition provides a new center of activity for the students, increasing collaboration across disciplines and shaping its environment to encourage interaction and the exchange of ideas. Fulfilling more than just the space needs of Belmont’s fast-growing O’More College of Architecture and Design, this project is intended to forge a new relationship with the surrounding community.

Conceived as a floating lantern, the mass timber and glass addition reinforces the university’s presence on a nebulous edge of campus. Its orientation defines new sightlines on the building’s approach - shaped to frame views of the iconic bell tower, yet careful not to overpower it. As the existing building steps back, new elevated gardens lined in glass wash the space in natural light, reinforcing a connection to nature as an extension of the natural beauty of campus for which Belmont is so well known.

Taking advantage of the site’s unique opportunity to activate the pedestrian zone, the retail program curves around the edge of Belmont Boulevard. In nice weather, the glass walls of the retail frontage on the ground level can slide open, further connecting the retail activity to the street with an open, inviting front porch.

The central atrium serves as the vertical connective element in the building, providing a flexible place where students can gather. It also acts as a high performing “lung” for the building, maintaining indoor air quality and improving thermal comfort. A displacement ventilation system runs vertically through the atrium, reducing energy use through natural air stratification.

The facade of the addition is composed of a series of layers which allow the building to be largely transparent while achieving high energy performance. A triple-glazed curtainwall with insulated translucent panels form the skin of the building, with an exterior sun shading system controlling glare on the east and west facades. The building steps outward on the south facade, forming self-shading overhangs preventing solar heat gain in the summer and allowing sun to naturally warm the space in the winter.

Strengthening the relationship of the university with the local community, the highly sustainable lantern glows as a beacon; a warm invitation bringing visitors into and through the site by extending the vibrant activity on Belmont Boulevard.