USF School of Architecture
USF SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
The renovation of the School of Architecture at the University of South Florida allowed Halflants + Pichette to transform a mid-century academic building into a bright, collaborative learning environment. Originally built in 1965, the structure reflected a belief that windows distracted students, leaving studios dark and enclosed. Halflants + Pichette approached the project as an opportunity to preserve the building’s architectural integrity while rethinking its organization for modern education. The result is a space that connects students, faculty, and natural light in new ways.
By relocating faculty offices to the center of the building, the design opens the perimeter for studios that are now filled with daylight. This change improves both visibility and energy efficiency, reducing the need for artificial lighting while strengthening connections between interior spaces. The open plan encourages movement and interaction, transforming what was once a series of isolated rooms into an interconnected community.
Recognition
- 2020- AIA Gulf Coast Design Award
- 2020- AIA Tampa Bay Design Award
COLLABORATION, LIGHT, AND ACADEMIC RENEWAL
The reconfigured studios promote collaboration and transparency. Circulation paths now flow through shared work areas, allowing students to see one another’s projects and exchange ideas easily. The design supports informal learning and peer engagement, turning the building itself into an active teaching tool. These improvements reinforce the values of openness and exchange that define architectural education.
As Tampa architects with experience in higher education and institutional design, Halflants + Pichette reimagined the USF School of Architecture to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful updates can honor the past while creating spaces that inspire creativity and connection. Through careful planning, the firm revitalized a campus landmark and positioned it for the next generation of architectural learning in Tampa.
