Gladfelter Hall and Anderson Hall serve as central academic buildings for Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. Over time, however, the buildings’ lobbies and corridors had become dark and dated, creating uninviting circulation spaces for the thousands of students who move through them each day. Temple University undertook a renovation to improve the quality of these shared spaces while updating finishes, lighting, and materials throughout the buildings.

O Z Collaborative led the renovation of the lobbies and corridors in both buildings, focusing on creating brighter and more welcoming interior environments. One of the primary design challenges occurred in Gladfelter Hall, where corridor ceilings were packed with mechanical systems, leaving little opportunity to increase ceiling height. The design team responded by introducing new lighting and acoustical ceiling systems that brighten the corridors while making the space feel more comfortable and visually balanced. Additional improvements included the replacement of corridor doors, updated floor finishes, and a new interior paint palette that brings warmth and clarity to the circulation areas.

The building lobbies were also enhanced with new lighting and wood paneling, creating a stronger sense of arrival and adding warmth to the spaces where students gather and move between classes. Colorful graphic installations developed by the College of Liberal Arts’ GIS Studio add energy and identity to the renovated interiors. Together, these improvements transform previously dark and overlooked corridors into brighter, more welcoming spaces that support the daily academic life of Temple University.