In Situ Studio Refreshes NC State Brooks Hall
The renovated lower level gains added height and light, transforming the historic design space for students and faculty.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation
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In Situ Studio has completed a 5,300-square-foot renovation of the lower level at Brooks Hall on the North Carolina State University campus. The project modernizes the interior of the historic Raleigh building by increasing ceiling heights and replacing opaque exterior walls with glass.
Why it matters
The renovation transforms the lower level into a more open and connected environment for design students and faculty. By removing barriers and adding flexible space, the design improves natural light and accessibility to the outdoor courtyard.
The renovation encompasses 5,300 square feet of lower-level space, gaining two and a half feet of interior height by removing drop ceilings. Plans for a potential second phase include additional indoor-outdoor connections and an open-air gallery.
The players
In Situ Studio
An architecture firm specializing in modern design interventions that balance historical integrity with contemporary functional needs.
North Carolina State University
The Raleigh-based academic institution that houses the College of Design and manages historic campus infrastructure.
The details
To achieve a more airy feel, the project removed non-structural walls to create open floor plans and flexible classroom areas. New interior partition walls were strategically installed to reinforce the existing building column grid, ensuring structural integrity while supporting the new glass-walled faculty offices and meeting rooms.
Timeline
1926: Brooks Hall construction is completed.
1948: The College of Design is established at the university.
1955: The historic Matsumoto wing is designed.
1956: Structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi delivers a keynote at the hall.
1957: The Brooks Hall addition receives a state AIA Award.
The Home Front
This project continues the legacy of the 1957 state AIA Award-winning Brooks Hall addition by modernizing mid-century space for contemporary use. It reflects a growing trend in adaptive reuse, where historic buildings are updated to improve natural light and interior flow.
Homeowners looking to increase the perceived size of their living area can consider removing drop ceilings to reveal hidden height or replacing solid walls with glass to invite more light. Always consult a licensed professional or structural engineer before removing any walls or altering ceiling assemblies.
The takeaway
Large-scale renovations demonstrate how minor structural adjustments can dramatically increase the utility of constrained interior space. Consider checking your home's original blueprints with a licensed professional to see if similar ceiling height or wall-opening options exist in your lower levels.
Further reading
For more on updating historic spaces, explore our full Home Renovation archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Architecturalrecord.
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Do you prefer retrofitting historic campus buildings over replacing them with modern facilities?
