School of Peace & Conflict Studies Office Renovation

The School of Peace and Conflict Studies (SCPS) at Kent State University evolved from the Center for Peaceful Change, established in 1971 as a living memorial to the events of May 4, 1970. The school has experienced growth in recent years and was in need of an updated administrative and gathering space to support its expanding student and faculty population. Hasenstab Architects provided professional design services for this office renovation on Kent State University’s main campus.

Our design team worked with the faculty throughout the planning process, developing the guiding principles of ‘Light, Energy and Color’ to help shape the direction of the intended final design. Throughout all phases of the project, the Hasenstab Architects team collaborated with SCPS faculty and the University Architect to provide solutions that would meet the intent of the guiding principals.

The updated SCPS suite provides a bright, welcoming space for faculty, students, and visitors. Both private offices and open collaboration areas are featured, creating a collaborative environment and providing flexibility to work in a variety of settings. Several meeting areas are also included in the space, including a shared conference room that can be used for classes, meetings, training sessions, events, or private conversations. A kitchenette provides a space where students and faculty can gather between classes.

In addition to creating a vibrant environment inside of a challenging existing building, Hasenstab Architects and their team worked with the School of Peace and Conflict Studies to utilize this office renovation to showcase the best of humanity. This project considered sustainable design practices while also specifying materials that come from manufacturers who have proven equitable treatment of their employees.