RIT’s School of Photographic Arts & Sciences (SPAS) is recognized as one of the top programs in the nation. The third floor of Gannett Hall, long considered the heart of SPAS, had not undergone significant updates since its construction in 1965. The space was dominated by outdated darkrooms, old lab facilities, and narrow corridors that lacked natural light. The primary goal was to modernize the environment and create new spaces that better reflect the innovative curriculum.

SPAS aimed to create an open, efficient layout for lab work and instruction, featuring a large multi-functional lounge, updated darkrooms, a sound capture room, and an equipment “cage”—a central hub where students could check out photographic gear. Additionally, to better highlight the students' creative process, they sought greater transparency between corridors and educational spaces.

The redesigned floor plan maximized natural light and streamlined circulation. A new access path was added to connect the renovated space with a nearby building to the north. This strategic intervention linked the existing corridors, navigating structural challenges and minimizing disruptions to the program’s spaces. The resulting geometry, subtly skewed and rectilinear, created a dynamic new axis, positioning the high-traffic equipment cage as a focal point.

The interactive cage counter, framed by wood paneling on the ceiling and walls, leads into the multi-use lounge, a new hub for students and faculty. Positioned to maximize southern exposure, the lounge allows natural light to flood the interior.

To enhance the sense of space, suspended ceilings were removed throughout the renovated areas, exposing the concrete structure and overhead utilities. Clear storefront glazing was added along the corridors to increase visibility, improve light flow, and further expand the space’s perception.

A minimalist industrial aesthetic serves as the backdrop for showcasing student work, with subtle accents of color, texture, and natural wood offering warmth and balance. Ringed light fixtures, reminiscent of camera lenses, mark the primary circulation areas. The result is a revitalized learning environment that honors the tradition of photography while embracing its evolving future.