The Campus Center at SUNY Old Westbury, is the largest interior space on campus and is a hub for many Campus activities including the cafeteria performing spaces and IS connected to the library. The building is a classic 1960’s Brutalist interior with multiple concrete steps, small non-ADA restrooms and multiple ramps leading to other buildings and the exterior.
SUNY Old Westbury felt it was critical that the building met the guidelines of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and so they hired our firm, David Smotrich & Partners, to accomplish its goal. We met the goal which included enlarging restroom facilities and bringing them up to code, while modernizing the interiors. Small things such as handsfree lighting, handsfree plumbing fixtures, testing the weight of the door closers to meet code, and hardware make an enormous difference to disabled persons. A college that speaks to inclusivity is one we enjoy working with. Ramps and glass and stainless-steel handrails were added to the steps which previously had none, actuators and new doors were added to make the building fully accessible. The project was a great success. At the direction of the College, the use of wood on the upper ramps and walkways was implemented to make the space feel warmer and welcoming to the students and staff.