Florida State University William H. Johnston Building

Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY WILLIAM H. JOHNSTON BUILDING

Gould Evans Architects

ARCHITECTS
Gould Evans Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Adam Cohen

AREA
67000 ft²

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Tallahassee, United States

CATEGORY
University

Text description provided by architect.

A sophisticated collage of old and new that reactivates a historic building in the heart of campus, the Johnston Building celebrates its mixed-use program through the dynamic intersection of circulation and transparency.

Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen

The 67,000 square foot renovation and 78,000 square foot addition to a 1930s Collegiate Jacobean Building combines an interdisciplinary array of classrooms, laboratories, offices and learning commons.

The soaring five-story atrium organizes the building visually and physically, providing each academic department with an identity visible from the main common space.

On the upper floors, collaborative areas are balanced with intimate study spaces to support a full spectrum of student interaction.

Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen

A variety of non-programmed areas encourage students to engage each other informally, connecting the diverse departments and programs.

The crisp, contemporary finishes of the new atrium and addition complement the warmth of the original architecture, distinguishing new from old. 

Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen

The design team retained many elements of the original building, creating spaces layered with history and meaning.

The project is designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating, as well as to meet the targets of the 2030 Challenge.

Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen

It recently received the AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence for Historic Restoration and Addition for its progressive approach to historic restoration.


Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen


Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
© Adam Cohen


Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
First Floor Plan
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
Second Floor Plan


Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
Master Plan
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
Section
Florida State University William H. Johnston Building
Site Plan