UH Graduate College of Social Work
CLIENT
University of Houston
BUILDING AREA
7,810 sf
AWARDS
2022 Award of Merit from ENR Texas & Louisiana
2021 ICE Award, Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards (EIC).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Graduate College of Social Work at University of Houston is an epicenter of conversations reimagining social, racial, economic, and political justice, both locally and globally. Due to the growing program, RDLR Architects designed a terraced Lobby Pavilion addition to the existing 4-story building and designed recirculation of the first floor to accommodate the new entry.
The new pavilion brightens up the current façade, creates an entry to the college and welcomes people from all walks of life to have a place at the table. Enclosed with glass on three sides, the new glass enclosed entry reflects the ideals of transparency for which college alumni advocate. Columns on each side of the pavilion branch out like a tree–the most basic of shelters–evoking a sense of nurture, care, and peace.
A centralized large wood table within the pavilion invites collaboration from everyone who enters to join the conversation, share their experience, and learn from another. The word “welcome” is engraved along the edge of the seating area in the 20 most common languages in Houston to embody the virtue that everyone is welcomed. A large media wall animates the space and informs all visitors of upcoming events and the latest research.
Mural Sparks Awareness
of Social Issues
Designed by renowned artist Reginald C. Adams, the theme of the new mural is “Pulling Together” and the artwork depicts people pulling on chains connected to a door. The door is meant to symbolize new doors of possibility and the chains represent the struggles that we all face in life. Broken glass mirrors are meant to reflect the viewer, showing that although we are imperfect, we can all have equal opportunities once that door opens. The faces featured within the mural are based on the likenesses of actual students, faculty, and alumni of the college.