Duke University
Engineering Made Prominent on the Quad
Duke University
Hudson Hall
The Pratt School of Engineering’s vision for a renewed Hudson Hall is to, once again, position the beloved, original, flagship facility as a vibrant student-focused, research capable center at the heart of the engineering precinct. Building on the ambitious renewal plan for Hudson Hall, completed by Ballinger in 2023, Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering engaged Ballinger, in collaboration with TenBerke, to design the renewal of Hudson Hall and replacement of the adjacent and connected Annex Building.
key information
The 185,000 SF renovation and expansion, which anticipates start of construction in 2027, will sensitively restore the 1948 building’s historic brick exterior and reimagine the interior of Hudson Hall by shifting corridors, consolidating compartmentalized spaces, and enclosing and connecting the existing exterior courtyards through the removal of the less functional central wing – this will create a vibrant light filled atrium embraced by Hudson Hall’s historic brick walls.
The new atrium will serve as the heart of Pratt Engineering, an active, unifying hub of learning and collaboration for year-round student activities. Stacked interior class labs and classroom spaces, residing in the atrium, will showcase engineering programs to prospective and current students supporting an active engineering-focused environment.
The new interior passageways created by the atrium will connect Harrington and Levine Science Research Center (LSRC) Quads, further enabling interdisciplinary connections.
The ultimate vision is focused on long-term flexibility and functionality, providing a modernized framework for classrooms and laboratories planned for adaptation to allow the School of Engineering to evolve as needs change.
“Our entire Duke Engineering community is very excited about the prospects of modernizing Hudson Hall — this iconic structure is central to Pratt's identity and history. We are confident the modernized building will offer classrooms that enhance the learning of our students, expanded research spaces that deepen our interdisciplinary traditions and social spaces that will create a closer-knit and resilient Pratt community.”
Jerome Lynch Vinik Dean of Engineering
