GWU Thurston Hall

As the largest first-year residence hall at The George Washington University, Thurston Hall is the first impression that many students receive at GW. Its role in providing a high-quality living-learning experience is critical to creating a sense of identity and community for GW’s Foggy Bottom campus.

VMDO’s concept for Thurston Hall’s renovation was selected as the winning design as part of an invited competition. Inspired by GW’s student-centered mission to “Spark, Energize, Develop, and Belong,” the design connects students to GW’s remarkable urban setting, enhances social and academic experiences, and prioritizes student success and well-being to create a lasting and memorable transformation at every scale of the building.

The ambitious renovation removes the south central portion of 5 stories of Thurston Hall, enhancing the building’s courtyard and access to natural light. This bold and transformative move stems from the client’s goal to de-densify the building in order to provide more flexible, safe, and healthy places for learning and gathering. “Found” spaces, like the former central lightwell, are transformed into flexible, programmable spaces such as a light-filled courtyard that promotes the development of a vibrant, engaged, and inclusive community.