Furcolo Hall Renovations (2016)

The school is named after John Foster Furcolo, who established the community college system in Massachusetts. The project was a $22.5 million, 100,000 S.F. renovation to Furcolo Hall and former Marks Meadow Elementary School that brought together students, staff, and faculty members of the College of Education to form one college, one building, and one learning community. The revitalized spaces promote a highly collaborative environment, enriched teaching, and research for students and staff across multiple departments.

The building’s program includes offices, conference rooms, flexible classrooms, computer labs, and a café. A series of open learning areas with computer workstations, soft seating, and kitchenettes were interspersed with groupings of faculty offices and meeting rooms. Together, through a bright, open, and colorful design, these spaces create an invigorating place to work, learn, and educate.

Building Information

Address: 813 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003
Completed: Spring 2016
Size: 100,000 GSF
Designer / Architect: Perkins+Will
Construction Manager: Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Owner's Project Manager: STV / DPM
UMass Project Manager: Burt Ewart
UMass Project Planners: Jeff Dalzell, Douglas Marshall, Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham

Sustainability

Resources

LEED Project Dashboard
Green Building Brochure

Indoor Air Quality

• Developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality (AIQ) Plan during construction and pre-occupancy
• Low-VOC flooring, paints, adhesives, and sealants
• Indoor chemical and pollutant source control via floor mats and air filters
• Individual lighting and thermal comfort controls enable occupants to make adjustments for maximum comfort

Materials + Resources

• Building renovation reuses existing walls, floors, and roof
• Diverted demolition and construction wastes from landfill
• New construction materials utilize recycled content
• Building materials were extracted, processed, and manufactured regionally
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified wood

Innovation in Design

• Green Housekeeping Program incorporates staff training of cleaning processes, chemicals, and occupant feedback
• Green Public Education Program

Water Efficiency

• Anticipating a 20% reduction in potable water use via low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Filtered-water stations promote the use of reusable water bottles
• Water-efficient landscaping utilizes natural irrigation systems

Sustainable Sites

• Located near several community services, including a fitness center, library, and student center
• Directly accessible to four PVTA bus routes
• Staff bike storage with shower and changing facilities provided onsite
• Discounted parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles

Energy & Atmosphere

• Anticipating an overall energy use reduction of 24%

Photo Gallery

All images courtesy of Perkins+Will. 

Media

Articles

UMass Amherst - Furcolo Hall - Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design
Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design - n.d. 

University of Massachusetts, College of Education - Furcolo Hall 
Perkins+Will - n.d. 

Furcolo Hall Renovations, UMass Amherst)
B+AC, LLC. - n.d. 

UMass Amherst College of Education's Renovation
UMass College of Education - n.d.