Keene State College Carle Hall

This 1970s-era residence hall lacked comfortable, inviting common areas for students, staff, and families to enjoy. Carle Hall’s first floor was dark, outdated, and in need of renovations to add intentionality and vibrance to the common areas. The spaces were very segmented and hidden, making them difficult to use for gathering and connection. Keene State recognized and understood the importance of providing gathering spaces to foster connection and community, especially for the first-year students living there, their families, and Carle Hall staff.

SMRT led the programming and design effort to revitalize this area for the Carle Hall community. Working collaboratively with Keene State College to effectively translate their vision, we created a welcoming and comfortable environment that integrates their colors and branding to fit seamlessly into their campus experience.

The new space features a communal kitchen, gaming zone, booths, benches, low- and high-top tables, cozy lounge furniture, and private study areas for those seeking quiet or privacy. The new space transforms the disconnected space, with a cohesive open concept allowing students to stay connected while still having designated spaces. Now, when entering the building, students, staff, and families are greeted by a lively area that offers a “choose your own adventure” experience. Whether sitting at a high-top table in the kitchen or tucked away in a study nook, students now have access to a comfortable environment where they can socialize and engage with their peers.

Client

Keene State College

Location

Keene, NH

Square Feet

7,400

Completion Year

2024

This beautiful renovation turns dark, segmented areas into a seamless lounge, game, kitchen, and study space for students to gather.

Casey Justice, Director of Transitions & Community Living, says, “This is the first building lobby that feels like a KSC building. To me, that shows SMRT’s effort in listening to the client while also incorporating original and creative solutions."

The open kitchen offers students the opportunity to prepare their own meals and bond with peers, all while staying connected to the lounge. Next to the kitchen is an alcove designed for dining and gathering.

Technologically-equipped high-top tables allow students to complete homework while staying engaged with their peers in lounge areas, and the collaborative meeting spaces are designed to facilitate group study while fostering a sense of connection within the overall environment.