Stratton Hall

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University’s Department of Psychology faced the challenge of modernizing its home in Stratton Hall, where aging laboratory spaces no longer supported contemporary research, teaching, or collaboration. The university sought to transform the building into a cohesive academic environment—one that could bring together faculty, students, and research activities while improving the quality of everyday interaction within the department. The university undertook a comprehensive renovation to create a unified environment for teaching, research, and faculty collaboration while keeping the 60,000-square-foot building occupied throughout construction. O Z Collaborative led the transformation of the interior spaces, replacing outdated laboratory areas with faculty offices, research laboratories, classrooms, conference rooms, and breakout spaces organized within a clearer and more connected circulation framework.

A key strategy focused on activating the building’s circulation spaces. The lobby and primary corridors were expanded by reclaiming unused shaft space and reorganizing building systems. Breakout rooms positioned at corridor ends introduce natural light and exterior views deep into the building, creating informal destinations for conversation and study. Faculty offices were located along the north and south building perimeters to maximize daylight. Door transoms extend light into interior corridors while maintaining acoustic separation. Exterior windows were replaced with energy-efficient double-glazed units, improving daylight quality and overall building performance.

Research laboratories and offices were designed to provide strong acoustic separation, supporting focused research environments. Classrooms and conference rooms throughout the building incorporate flexible furnishings and integrated teaching technology. Throughout the building, corridor alcoves, banquettes, marker boards, and breakout spaces encourage spontaneous interaction among students and faculty. By reimagining circulation as a shared academic commons, the renovation transforms Stratton Hall into a more connected and collaborative environment for Drexel’s Department of Psychology.

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Photographed by Elena Walsh

Modern hospital lobby with seating area, chairs, and reception desk.

Office waiting area with four red and white chairs around a white round table, a black sofa against a burgundy wall with a sign that reads 'Department of Psychology', beige and wood-paneled walls, and recessed ceiling lights.

Interior hallway with beige cabinets, a wooden bench, a white wall, and recessed ceiling lights.

Empty classroom with white tables and yellow chairs, large windows with city view, overhead lighting, and a projector screen.

Interior of an office lounge with four beige armchairs arranged around a small round table, a red sofa with a wooden side table, large windows showing city buildings and leafless trees outside.

Empty hallway with closed doors on the left side and a bench on the right side. The hallway has a ceiling with recessed lighting and a reflective floor, with windows above the doors on the left.

Empty conference room with a long white table, eight chairs with red cushions around it, large windows with a view of adjacent buildings, a ceiling projector, and frosted glass partition with a door.

Empty conference room with white tables, black chairs, large windows, and ceiling lights.

Waiting area outside the Department of Psychology with a yellow couch, two black chairs with red cushions, and a glass side table.

An indoor waiting area with two beige armchairs with striped upholstery, a small white round table, and a large window showing a view of snow-covered branches and classic brick buildings outside.