Program
Design a new home for the historic campus pub, Roger’s Pub, and a renovated 3,300-sf dining space adjacent to the main student dining space at Trim Dining Hall.
Solution
A 3,000 square foot addition to the prime corner of the Trim Dining Hall building was. This addition created a point of pedestrian interest with a warmly lit octagonal room and adjacent patio space for exterior gatherings. A new entry was created from the outdoor path so that the pub could be accessible in the later evening hours. The interior concept was based on the idea of celebrating the history of Babson College and creating a new space that had character for a historical campus landmark. The materials palette celebrated the Babson’s school color with liberal use of a moody dark green. Textures were introduced in through the use of many hued warm woods, shiny tin ceiling panels, and textural lighting fixtures acted as the jewelry that litghs the space. The custom back bar features storage cubbies and a window into the cooking island’s pizza oven to provide the ambiance of a fire. The bar itself is divided into two duties – one for gastro pub style cuisine and one for house beers and wine service for students over 21.
Connecting the Pub to the dining room is a games lounge which features a graphically patterned floor and snug seating booths all surrounding a pool table where the overhead lighting is a sculptural centerpiece.
On the Trim Dining Hall Side, new “factory sash” style windows allow the guest to peek into the kitchen and see the activity while gaining some natural light and transparency. A barn door opening allows access to the food station for meals. The textures and colors were a warm mix of goldenrod and wood tones with many shade patterns. The space plays host to many school functions: from dance hall, to overflow pub space, to restaurant, to lecture hall. A raised stage area was created to function as another focal point – highlighted with reclaimed wood, steel detailing, and performance lighting.
Babson College first opened the campus pub in 1974 – with the completion of this renovation, Roger’s Pub will be able to serve as a refuge for Babson’s entrepreneurs for even more decades to come.
