Yale University Paul Rudolph Hall

Exterior Restoration & Third Party Review

Multiple Design, Construction, and Project Team Awards

The former Art + Architecture Building, designed by then chair of the School of Architecture, Paul Rudolph, is considered one of his most important works. Rededicated Paul Rudolph Hall, the renovated building has garnered awards for design, restoration, project team coordination, and sustainability:

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) Connecticut Design Award
  • AIA New York State Award of Excellence
  • Connecticut Building Congress Project Team Award, First Place
  • International Concrete Repair Institute Award of Excellence
  • New York Construction magazine Best of 2009 Award
    Leadership in Energy
  • Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification
East facade before renovation.

Before the renovation project, replacement windows installed in the 1980s divided the facade into choppy and incoherent blocks. Solar heat gain forced shades to be closed much of the day.

The renovation restores Rudolph's original concept, with large panes of glass that balance the heavy forms of corduroy concrete with an airy lightness. Natural daylight again permeates interior spaces, as high-performance glazing limits glare and heat transfer.

With its characteristic use of heavy forms and rich textures, Rudolph Hall presented design challenges in the functional re-articulation of its evocative surfaces. Built in 1963, this Brutalist icon anchors a gateway corner of the Yale campus. The 114,000 sf cast-in-place concrete structure has a fortress-like facade that belies a surprisingly open and complex interior, with 37 terraced levels on nine stories, two below grade.

As rehabilitation specialists, Hoffmann Architects + Engineers worked with designers Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects (GSAA), construction management firm Turner Construction Company, and Yale University to restore Rudolph’s original vision, while integrating practical improvements to ensure both the aesthetic integrity and longevity of this landmark of modern architecture.

Yale Paul Randolph Hall

Paul Rudolph Hall (Art + Architecture Building)

Faithful reproduction of the original design—while addressing and fixing some of the problems inherent to that design—demanded a holistic approach. As building enclosure experts, Hoffmann’s design professionals oversaw rehabilitation of the structure’s massive concrete members, spandrels, stairs, and terraces, as well as a complete window and skylight replacement. The firm also provided consultation services to GSAA on construction detailing at the new addition.

To optimize operational performance, a comprehensive building information model, including whole-building energy simulation, informed the design. Historically accurate but inefficient elements, such as oversized glazing or low-insulating concrete walls, were offset by innovations in heat island reduction, daylighting, low-e insulating glass units, occupancy sensors, air handling, stormwater management, water reuse, and existing site redevelopment. Through a coordinated effort, the project team delivered a LEED compliant, historically accurate restoration and addition within the fast-track schedule.

Yale Rudolph Hall and Loria Center construction

Preservation and Design Excellence Awards

Paul Rudolph Hall (Art + Architecture), Yale University

With a dynamic project team of diverse consultants, tradespeople, and specialized design experts, the renovation of Yale’s Rudolph Hall garnered awards for technical excellence, preservation, architecture, engineering, and team collaboration.