# UCLA Pritzker Hall: Transforming Academic Architecture for Modern Learning
When the UCLA Psychology Department received a $30 million commitment from the Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation in 2020, it sparked one of the most significant academic interior transformations we've seen in recent years. The result? Pritzker Hall—a stunning example of how thoughtful commercial interior design can breathe new life into existing educational infrastructure.
## Honoring Architectural Heritage While Embracing Innovation
Originally completed in 1967 as Franz Hall by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, this eight-story building plus three basement levels had served the university for over five decades. CO Architects led the comprehensive renovation, partnering with Tangram Interiors to create vibrant research and learning environments that would attract and retain both students and faculty.
The challenge was clear: transform a mid-century academic building into a state-of-the-art facility for one of UCLA's largest undergraduate programs while maintaining the architectural integrity of Williams' original design.
## Creating Spaces That Inspire Learning
### The Lobby: A Study in Balance
The renovated double-height lobby showcases how contemporary commercial design can honor original architectural elements. The space highlights the building's structural waffle slab and marble-clad walls while introducing modern finishes and student-centered furniture.
Key design elements include: - **Flexible seating arrangements** featuring Steelcase Joel lounge chairs and Circa lounge seating - **Multiple study zones** accommodating both individual work and group collaboration - **Strategic lighting design** that maximizes natural light while providing adequate task illumination - **Contemporary furniture pieces** including Montara chairs and Steelcase Bassline coffee tables
### Research Spaces: Function Meets Flexibility
The research facilities demonstrate how commercial interiors can adapt to specialized academic needs. Tangram created distinct zones for different types of research:
**Dry Research Areas**: Customized layouts accommodate specialized equipment and modular furnishings, with shared testing rooms designed using a sectional approach to serve both small and large research teams.
**Wet Labs**: Equipped with modular benches and designed as shareable spaces, these labs support hands-on research with furniture solutions including Steelcase Cobi chairs and Universal tables with mobile storage pedestals.
**Clinical Research Spaces**: These community-serving areas feature waiting areas, observation corridors, and digital control rooms—all designed with student and public use in mind.
## Classroom Design for the Future of Education
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Pritzker Hall transformation is how the classroom spaces address modern educational needs. Each classroom can accommodate up to 300 students while maintaining the flexibility required for evolving curricula.
### Technology Integration
The classrooms feature technology-driven design with: - Flexible seating arrangements that can be reconfigured for different learning styles - Movable furniture supporting team-focused activities - Advanced audiovisual systems integrated seamlessly into the design - Multiple collaboration zones within each large classroom space
### Supporting Diverse Research Areas
The design acknowledges the Psychology Department's broad research focus, supporting work in anxiety and depression, substance abuse, human relationships, neuroscience, and cognitive studies. This required creating adaptable spaces that could serve multiple research methodologies.
## Conference and Collaboration Spaces
Throughout the eight-story building, upgraded conference rooms support both academic research and administrative functions. These spaces feature technologically advanced systems integrated with furniture solutions including Steelcase FrameOne tables, Potrero tables, and Montara chairs.
## Sustainability and Standards
The two-year renovation project achieved LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating how large-scale commercial interior projects can meet the highest environmental standards while delivering exceptional functionality and aesthetics.
## Lessons for Commercial Design Professionals
The Pritzker Hall project offers several valuable insights for commercial interior designers working on educational and institutional projects:
1. **Respect existing architecture** while introducing contemporary elements that serve current users 2. **Plan for flexibility** in spaces that must adapt to changing academic and research needs 3. **Consider community impact** when designing spaces that serve both institutional and public users 4. **Integrate technology thoughtfully** rather than treating it as an afterthought 5. **Prioritize sustainability** without compromising design quality or functionality
The transformation of Franz Hall into Pritzker Hall stands as a testament to the power of strategic commercial interior design in educational environments. By balancing respect for architectural heritage with innovative solutions for modern academic needs, this project creates spaces that truly support learning, research, and community engagement.
