Reception area with long, tradition wood desk, computers and office equipment beyond; tan walls and dark gray patterned carpet with large blue and gray bison head graphic in center Reception area with long, tradition wood desk, computers and office equipment beyond; tan walls and dark gray patterned carpet with large blue and gray bison head graphic in center

Howard University

2019 | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES | EDUCATION

The spring of 1939 was a remarkable season in a turbulent decade. The threat of war loomed and America was emerging from the worst depression in history. As a rising symbol of hope and achievement, the Founders Library held the promise of equality and dignity for Howard University students.

The four-story Colonial Revival has remained an elegant presence on the quadrangle, its tower having been borrowed from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The architect, Albert Cassell, also designed on campus the Douglas Memorial Hall and Chemistry building. It is the site in which Thurgood Marshall crafted the legal strategy of Brown v. Board of Education. In the study commons, wooden coffered ceilings and rich paneling are aged and beautifully distressed.

Tailored rows of wooden tables and chairs anchor the four floors. Carlos Williams, director of architectural & engineering services, said that university works to preserve the historic nature of the building, while ensuring the highest-level performance for products specified within it.


Image Gallery

  • Long library corridor with two archways, built-in wood bookshelves along left walls, arched wood windows to right with wood tables and chairs along both sides Long library corridor with two archways, built-in wood bookshelves along left walls, arched wood windows to right with wood tables and chairs along both sides
  • Large study room with barrel ceiling and book shelves along left wall. Round tables with chairs spread throughout room with two students working Large study room with barrel ceiling and book shelves along left wall. Round tables with chairs spread throughout room with two students working
  • Reception area with long, tradition wood desk, computers and office equipment beyond; tan walls and dark gray patterned carpet with large blue and gray bison head graphic in center Reception area with long, tradition wood desk, computers and office equipment beyond; tan walls and dark gray patterned carpet with large blue and gray bison head graphic in center

The Solution

Old carpet was also removed. New Powerbond Cushion RS was installed. Powerbond hybrid resilient sheet flooring is a heterogeneous construction of nylon and closed-cell cushion. The cushion and nylon are fused together through heat and pressure creating a floor covering that is integral and inseparable. Closed-cell cushion ensures that seams can be fused, which provides a waterproof barrier. Its “peel & stick” installation method does not require adhesives, which enhances indoor air quality within the learning environment.

“Powerbond is a non-flow through flooring product, and it’s built to last. It will also compliment a rather historic space in need of refresh,” Williams said. “The Tarkett product is required for this kind of job.”

Styles Used in This Project

Solutions at Work Guide

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