CNM’s H Building renovation addressed many practical aspects of facility rehabilitation but also infused the facility and campus with a comfortable student gathering study space to encourage more on-campus engagement.H Building, CNM Montoya Campus’ original classroom / faculty / administration building, opened in 1979. Not surprisingly, the campus needs transformed over time. By 2011, the 55,000 SF facility’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems all required replacement; the campus curriculum required new labs, larger classrooms and the update of existing classrooms to better serve CNM’s future needs; and data, cabling, and security systems all required upgrades. Beyond these practical needs, the facility also longed for well-placed informal learning spaces to attract student activity and contribute to the campus’ community fabric.

H Building houses the campus’ only kitchen and had always been a popular area for students to gather, eat and study. RMKM’s reprogramming of the facility, however, capitalized on an opportunity to prominently locate a new Student Study Lounge in an area of the building whose potential had lain unrealized. To create this new Student Study Lounge, RMKM expanded an opening onto an adjacent courtyard, drastically increasing the impact of natural light in this space. A revamped courtyard, updated architectural finishes and student-appropriate furniture selections rounded out the successful implementation of H Building’s Student Study Lounge. Located on axis with H Building’s main entry, the Student Study Lounge now presents an inviting first impression of the facility.

The Lounge has been a wildly successful re-imagination of space in H Building – popular with students and an enhancement to the total building experience.