Dietz & Company Architects has won a 2013 Accessible Design Award jointly sponsored by the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB). The award recognizes Hoosac Hall at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for the utilization of accessible architecture, which dramatically improved the appearance and use of the facility.
The dormitory is on a steep site that slopes across the front of the building. A new entry sequence was designed to include relocation of the entry to an accessible level at the street and a courtyard was formed to allow easy access from barrier-free parking spaces at the bottom of the hill. By moving the building entrance and all common services down one level, a new suite of accessible public spaces was created to serve all students. The building entrance, reception/security desk, laundry, common kitchen, lounges, multi-purpose room and offices were redesigned for ease of access and clarity of use. Accessible bathrooms were provided at all seven dormitory room levels, ensuring a comfortable experience for all users.