After years of planning and construction, the East Hall Plaza has reopened ahead of the fall semester, creating a new space for the Pratt community to host events and foster dialogues across disciplines.
The redesign occurred as part of a larger sustainability project to replace the boilers located below the plaza and East Hall with high efficiency models that will reduce campus energy consumption. The extensive renovations culminated in the beautiful and spacious East Hall Plaza.
The re-imagined plaza further connects the campus by creating a centrally located space for collaboration and events. Ample seating and tables allow students and faculty to relax, study, and work on projects. Newly installed plants and trees decorate the edge of the plaza, which also features a drainage system that mitigates the risk of campus flooding by capturing stormwater runoff.
The landscape architecture firm SCAPE led the redesign and worked with local fabricators to select special brick, metal, and stone, while JRM Construction Management managed the construction of the plaza and central plant.
The East Hall Boiler and Plaza Project contributes to the Institute’s efforts to reach the carbon reduction targets established in NYC Local Law 97 by improving energy efficiency across the Brooklyn campus. The upgrades earned $250,000 in energy efficiency rebates from National Grid.
Pratt Institute received a $100,000 implementation grant for the project from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative, a grant-making program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation in collaboration with Environment & Culture Partners and RMI to catalyze climate action in the visual arts.
Attendees at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 16 to commemorate the reopening included Pratt President Frances Bronet and Board of Trustees Chair Gary Hattem, as well as local leaders such as Senator Jabari Brisport, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest, and NYC Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo.
Take a look at photos of the newly redesigned East Hall Plaza.
