Since 1965, Gustavus Adolphus College has been the proud host of the Nobel Conference, attracting world-class scholars and researchers from around the globe to discuss pressing scientific issues. As the first institution in the United States authorized by the Nobel Foundation to host such an event, the college has long been a leader in academic discourse. In preparation for its 50th Nobel Conference in 2014, the college engaged our firm to oversee the transformation of its Center for Natural Sciences, Nobel Hall.

The renovation and new construction included in this project expanded the building to accommodate an increased number of classrooms, meeting rooms, libraries, departmental offices, and teaching and research laboratories. These spaces are designed to meet current industry standards for safety, equipment, and research methods, supporting both students and faculty. The renovated Nobel Hall now features 20 collaboration and conference spaces in various sizes and configurations to meet the diverse needs of students. The project also provided a new presence for the Center for Environmental Studies and a more visible space for the Geography Department’s federal map depository, which has been in place since World War II. The improvements foster new synergies among faculty, with adjacencies based on shared research endeavors, teaching collaborations, and instrumentation.

The building design includes an enclosed bridge connecting Nobel Hall’s natural sciences to Olin Hall’s physical sciences. Additionally, a new lecture auditorium and black box stage merge the sciences with the performing arts, creating an integrated learning environment that encourages cross-disciplinary engagement.

Nobel Hall’s revitalization also involved adaptive reuse of the existing two-story Wallenberg Auditorium and the greenhouse above. These areas, which were windowless and centrally located, were replaced by a new three-story student commons. This addition brings natural light deep into the core of the building, enhancing the space and creating a more inviting atmosphere. The facility is LEED Gold Certified, making it 20% more energy efficient than comparable buildings. Sustainable features include the use of regional and recycled materials, water use reduction methods, and energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures.