The renovation of Keane Hall, located at the summit of the Loras College campus, included an entry plaza and rear patio design to support architectural renovations and enhance the campus experience. Keane Hall welcomes visitors to campus, offering a positive first impression of campus. Saiki Design worked with campus administrators and architects from IIW to arrive at a design that reflected the historic prominence of Keane Hall, while meeting present-day needs.
Keane Hall’s hardscape design included intricate paving details; including pavers and a custom precast concrete Loras crest that served as a focal point for the back patio space. Local limestone seat walls were integrated into the entry plaza and rear patio spaces to tie the site to the historic architectural materials of Keane Hall and to provide opportunities for socialization. The rear patio design focused on providing flexibility for day-to-day use and for large gatherings by including movable furnishings, lighting, and electrical access.
The planting design focused on choosing plants with multi-seasonal interest and integrating the Loras colors, gold and purple, to aid in institutional identity. Planters for seasonally changing displays were placed on columns to enhance the outdoor experience, particularly during the holiday season.
