In Situ Studio Renovates NC State's Brooks Hall

The 5,300-square-foot lower-level project modernizes the historic space with glass walls and increased ceiling heights.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of a bright academic hall interior with clean columns and transparent partitions, evoking modern architectural design. — In Situ Studio completed a 5,300-square-foot renovation of the lower level at North Carolina State University's Brooks Hall, modernizing the historic space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In Situ Studio has completed a 5,300-square-foot renovation of the lower level at North Carolina State University's historic Brooks Hall. The project integrates new glass-walled offices and flexible classrooms to better connect the interior with the outdoor courtyard.

Why it matters

The renovation seeks to breathe new life into the facility by removing restrictive drop ceilings and creating transparent boundaries. This redesign aims to foster a more open, collaborative environment for students and faculty within the College of Design.

The project encompasses a 5,300-square-foot area and gains two and a half feet of interior height by removing previous drop ceilings. Designers replaced original southern brick walls with glass and added new interior partitions along the building grid.

The players

In Situ Studio

This architecture firm led the renovation efforts to modernize the lower level of Brooks Hall.

North Carolina State University

This public research university in Raleigh houses the College of Design within the historic Brooks Hall.

The details

The firm opened the floor plan by removing non-structural walls and installing new partitions that reinforce the existing column grid. The updated area now features dedicated spaces for the K-12 design program alongside faculty offices and meeting rooms.

1926: Brooks Hall completed.
1948: College of Design established.
1955: Matsumoto wing designed.
1956: Structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi delivered keynote.
1957: Brooks Hall addition received state AIA Award.

Culture Shift

This project aligns with the ongoing adaptive reuse trend seen within the North Carolina State University College of Design. It marks a departure from traditional closed-office layouts toward modern, transparent, and flexible learning environments.

Students and faculty at the College of Design can now utilize upgraded classroom and meeting spaces that prioritize natural light and accessibility. These changes improve the daily experience for those navigating the lower level of the historic facility.

The takeaway

Historic building renovations often require balancing preservation with the need for modern functionality and light. Designers looking to update older spaces should consider removing non-structural elements to maximize vertical clearance and transparency.