The revitalized Gray Design Building blends modern design with historic character, fostering creativity and collaboration for students.
The Gray Design Building at the University of Kentucky has been awarded the prestigious 2024 AIA Kentucky Honor Award for its innovative architectural design. This 132,000 square-foot renovation transforms a 107-year-old tobacco warehouse into a modern educational facility while preserving historical elements. Incorporating sustainable practices and collaborative spaces, the building is set to redefine learning and creativity for design students, fostering a vibrant educational community in the heart of Lexington.
Lexington is buzzing with excitement following the announcement that the Gray Design Building, home to the University of Kentucky’s College of Design, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 AIA Kentucky Honor Award for its architectural excellence. This accolade is the highest honor given in the state of Kentucky as part of the AIA Honor Awards Program and highlights exceptional architectural projects, factoring in everything from budget to scale.
The Gray Design Building has undergone an incredible transformation, breathing new life into what was once a 107-year-old former Reynolds tobacco warehouse. Sitting at a massive 132,000 square feet, this revitalized space is not just an educational facility; it’s designed to foster creativity and collaboration among students in various disciplines like architecture, historic preservation, biomedical engineering, and product design, to name a few.
The renovation showcases an innovative approach to educational architecture, blending modern functionality with a rich historical narrative. Exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and large windows have been preserved to keep the building’s character intact while enhancing its usability. This careful consideration of historical details allows students to learn in a space that pays homage to its past while equipping them for the future.
What makes this renovation even more remarkable is its focus on sustainability. The Gray Design Building features energy-efficient systems and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, all carefully incorporated to uplift the learning environment without sacrificing the building’s historic essence. This adaptive reuse model not only reduces the building’s embodied carbon but is also expected to lower energy usage by an impressive 70% to 80% when compared to typical higher education buildings.
The award jury praised the project for showcasing the expertise of a skilled design team. They noted the clarity of concept and the inviting atmosphere created within the building. Among the new architectural highlights are a central staircase, flexible classrooms, a gallery to display student and faculty work, and an impressive double-height lecture hall. This layout encourages more interaction and teamwork among students across different design fields.
One of the standout features of this renovation is the design’s fluid integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The Gray Design Building now includes a new outdoor fabrication dock that seamlessly connects with an indoor workshop. This presents students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning and production, truly embodying the spirit of the College of Design.
This building not only serves its students but also strengthens the University’s connection to downtown Lexington. For the first time, it houses all four College of Design programs under one roof, fostering a vibrant community of creative minds.
The Gray Design Building stands as a testament to what is possible through thoughtful renovation and innovative design. With Studio Gang at the helm, alongside K. Norman Berry Associates, Lexington can celebrate not just an architectural feat, but a space where future designers, architects, and builders will learn and collaborate.
The honor awarded to this incredible project reflects the commitment to excellence in educational design and a recognition of the past as we move into the future. The revitalized Gray Design Building is not just a place for learning; it is a symbol of progress, sustainability, and community in the heart of Lexington.
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