University of Wisconsin - Madison

School of Education

The University of Wisconsin’s School of Education Building is located on one of Madison’s most beautiful sites between Lake Mendota and the University’s historic Bascom Mall.

This renovation/addition restores the existing structure, adds a new wing for teaching and office space, and creates a new heart for building in a light-filled Commons with views to the Lake. The building includes administration, student services, Commons, classrooms, research functions and office spaces for four academic departments.

Early in the design process, HGA established the project principles of “respect, restore and renew” which guided the design. The project connects approximately 35,000 SF of new construction to the historic building. A prominent and inviting second entrance was added to a building that previously turned its back to the Lake and a major pedestrian pathway. Adding a two-story Commons above a new 150-seat lecture hall provides access to the new plaza and green space.

The Commons’ open space contains a welcoming point for visitors, a coffee shop, and a gathering place for students and faculty, with an outdoor terrace with unobstructed views to the Lake.

Given the existing building was well constructed and beautifully detailed, HGA worked with a historic preservation architect to restore the exterior facade along with the entrance lobby and grand staircase that rises through the six-story building.