EXTERIOR FEATURES
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Housing both the Baker Institute and the School of Social Sciences,
Baker Hall was conceived as a square structure with clerestory-lit
central commons that serves as a focus for its community of scholars,
fellows, and students.
The square plan with a major central room allows for an efficient
enclosure of space and heightens the objective-like character of the
building, an important aspect in establishing its role as the gateway
for the west quad. The configuration extends the tradition of older
Rice building’s roots in Byzantine and eastern Mediterranean styles.
Likewise, the internal finishes and character are based on utilizing
simple materials like wood, stone, plaster, tile, and concrete detailed
in a modest manner with concentrated areas of high finish. The use of
ornamental marble mosaic floor panel in stained concrete fields and
dark wood trim recalls the highly detailed lobbies of Lovett Hall and
another early campus building, Physics.
The central commons area, named for institute benefactor William J.
Doré, accommodates the formal and informal gatherings that are central
to the mission of the institute. Activities on a daily basis range from
impromptu gatherings to highly structured programs and events. Advanced
communications and data systems link the institute to national and
international audiences. Live events are frequently held in this room
seating upwards of 250 people per event. Events from this facility can
be connected through audiovisual links and webcast live throughout the
world.
The Kelly International Conference Facility, donated by E.A. and
Hermena Hancock Kelly, provides real-time audiovisual links and
broadcast quality video and sound support systems. At maximum capacity,
this conference facility was designed to seat 120 people with a
contingent of press corps members with cameras along the back row. The
facility is capable of dual simultaneous translation during events.
Events from this facility can be connected through audiovisual links
and webcast live throughout the world.
On the ground floor, administration offices, classrooms, and meeting
rooms surround the commons. Immediately across from the Baker Institute
Office suite on this floor is the School of Social Sciences, as well as
the Dean of Social Sciences. At the second level, the offices of the
faculty and fellows are arranged to allow maximum interaction on a
daily basis. The third level houses storage, more office space, as well
as additional room for expansion.
Lounges and loggias overlook the commons. The third level provides
office space and expansion space beneath the building’s sloped roof.
The loggia at this level doubles as a technical support deck for major
commons events.
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