HMFH Architects
Tufts University Bush Hall
Medford, MA
In addition to upgrading an aging campus facility, the renovation of Tufts University’s Bush Hall recharacterized a residence hall that had previously housed upperclassmen into expanded housing for first-year students.
- Beds 126
- Size 27,900 ft2
Encouraging new students to engage with their peers both academically and socially, the revitalized residence hall features new common areas designed to promote different levels of camaraderie. A new kitchen allows students to cook together, making meals from family recipes or quick snacks to be shared during study sessions, while a laundry room updated with comfortable seating and a large table provides a space for students to work quietly while waiting for their laundry.
Flexible collaborative spaces feature Bluetooth-enabled screens that can display a school presentation or stream entertainment, shifting functionality as needed, and similarly adaptable larger gathering spaces support musical performances, poetry slams, and visiting lecturers. These larger public spaces also serve neighboring first-year residence halls, building a sense of community between the residents of different campus buildings. The design includes exterior repairs while keeping with Bush Hall’s original aesthetic, updating elements such as windows and lighting fixtures to make the building more sustainable without drastically changing its appearance.
