John C. Dolan Residence Hall

On the northern side of the Fairfield University property is Dolan Campus. This campus landmark sits on 200 acres of idyllic fields overlooking the Long Island Sound. It was originally owned by John Fox, the former owner of the Boston Post, who lost his mansion in litigation and sold to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. This particular building, the former Julie Hall, was built in 1959 and served as the nuns’ residence.

Today after undergoing a complete four-story interior renovation that implemented a new MEP infrastructure, it accommodates students in 23 suite style apartments. Living in Dolan Hall has been said to be environmentally engaging through the use of the buildings Energy Dashboard. It attracts students and faculty to monitor the HVAC system and suite-specific or overall-building energy consumption to help occupants be mindful of their electricity and water consumption. All the residences; Campus Health, facility management, Information Technology Data Center, and College of Design; now have an educated hand in the helping reduce their carbon footprint.

The Chapel, previously used by the nuns, has been converted into a spacious student lounge. Its lower level serves as a study space with a loft like social lounge above. The original light fixtures and stained glass have all been meticulously refurbished. As I look over the banister down to the old Chapel floor I am reminded of the cloaked nuns in silent prayer. Upward a small stream of color tinted light draws my attention back and I focus on the exposed vaulted ceiling. Anchored by arches, that reminds me of a wooden boat’s hull, which open and lift the space. The hallway out of the loft brings studio style rooms to my left and larger suite-style rooms to my right. After exploring these living spaced I head outside to get a closer look at the brick exterior.​

New Village Residence Hall

The dormitory resides on the eastern side of Fairfield University’s pristine 200 acre campus in close proximity to woods, wetlands and Hopkins Pond. This newest residence hall is located behind the DiMenna Nyselius library and a just short walk from the Student Center. It consists of a 68,000 square feet that house semi-independent apartments and common living spaces. The project team included Newman Architects and the engineering team of Kohler Ronan, LLC.

To get there, I took the pedestrian friendly Library Walk toward the building’s blue-stone and slate entry, over a raised intersection and past bicycle racks. Different color bricks cheerfully dress the exterior and mesh well with this active college setting. Its friendly and contemporary design welcomed me inside. Adjacent to the main entry is an energetic common space full of interaction and camaraderie. Further into the space and separated by wooden louvered screens, a sliding door, and etched glass are study areas with tables and a comfortable and large lounging spot.

Next, I turned toward the generous windows that flank this airy gathering room and was visually drawn outside toward the exterior green space. The trees in the distance seemed to move and sway with the energies of the students inside. On the second level, I visited a four-bedroom apartment with a living/dining space, kitchen and bathrooms. I learned that the facility had onsite shared laundry and interior bike storage.

Back outside on the common terrace, a necessary retaining wall is woven into the green space. This grass staircase connects the terrace to the lawn and serves as a social gathering spot. The large lawn is outlined with pedestrian pole lights that enhance the picturesque atmosphere of this Fairfield, Connecticut campus.

My Afternoon at the New Putnam High School

Standing midday on the sidewalk next to the front of the new school, I observe the dusty bustle of construction workers within the original school site. I walk along the fence around the corner and back toward the curved shape of the cafeteria’s architectural glass wall. I spot exterior sunshades that are used to control glare, reduce solar heat gain, and maximize natural light. In fact, the sun is high in the sky, so I head inside for some shade.

I make my way to Stair Six Atrium, where the amphitheater-style atmosphere is highlighted by a voluminous space full of natural daylight. The brightness brings attentions to the blue and gold of school banners over the gymnasium doors to my right and the interior glass wall to the cafeteria to my left. Wait. The stairs change color through imbedded LED tiles that flow through the color wheel effortlessly. Their changing mood drives me further back, out the service area, into an exterior courtyard inhabited by many of the school technical programs. I photograph the electrical, heating and ventilation, robotics, and automotive technology departments. Some are ready for their close-up and some are still being organized by the teaching staff.

The cafeteria is next on my list. I am greeted with smiles and enthusiastic greetings from teachers as I enter the grand dining hall. I am struck not by its size, nor its impressive full height windows that look out onto an exterior terrace, but by the juxtaposition of its glossy newness to the shattered remnants of the original Putnam High School still under demolition only yards away. Inside as I proceed to exit through a side door, I also take in the dentistry and early education spaces. Lastly, from the street the school’s exterior come across as youthful and dynamic. I particularly enjoy the distinctive use of materials and the ruby painted window casings. The sheer mass of the building was a terrific experience and learning that sustainable strategies drove much of its design makes it worth sharing with you. The Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School project team included Drummey Rosane Anderson Architects, Consigli Construction and Morganti Group, Inc.

The wave forms on Putnam's exterior remind me of the Connecticut River that runs through Springfield just blocks away.