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Bring Your Community Together Through Design
When you think of your community, you might first think about popular events, public figures, and the favorite restaurants that tie everyone together. But just as important as all of these culture-defining traits is the architecture behind it all. The architectural designs of your community buildings reflect more than just a particular aesthetic. Indeed, the architecture of your community can help reflect and express the values that are important to every resident.
At Krittenbrink Architecture, we do more than simply design and restore buildings. We create community spaces that welcome any and everyone.
Renew Your Community Buildings and Your Sense of Involvement With Our Architectural Designs
- From brand-new designs to tasteful restorations, we can help you completely reimagine your local institutions.
- As a full-service architecture firm, we also offer interior design work and consultations.
- Engage with your community more effectively through compelling building design and construction.
- We’ll help you manage the master planning, zoning, permitting, and appeals process of each project.
- With years of experience, we’re well-known for our insightful design skills that lead to an end-result that best express your vision and values.
From libraries to schools, courthouses to museums, these institutions play as much of a role as the individuals that work and learn within them in defining the culture and purpose of the community.
When the buildings that house a city’s institutions share similar architectural traits, it can convey a sense of connectedness and cohesion within the community. For those places looking to refresh the focus of their community, a new institutional building with a new look can signal a change in direction and a commitment to growth. We can work with you to create inspiring designs that convey the historic character of your community, or the forward-thinking nature of your city.
More than just attractive work and learning spaces, the architectural choices behind institutional buildings can help convey their purpose. Libraries and museums could be warm, open, and inviting. Courthouses and bureaucratic spaces could be regal, authoritative, and confident. At Krittenbrink Architecture, our team of experienced architects and planners work with you to learn about the needs and purpose of each of these buildings and design them to reflect these ideas.
Ready to reimagine your community institutions? We invite you to reach out to Krittenbrink Architecture and schedule your consultation today.
Chickasaw Nation Active Learning Classroom and Event Center
- University of Oklahoma Law Library
- Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
The challenges associated with this project reside in the realm of converting a traditional underutilized library stack space into a dynamic learning environment fit for a top 50 Law School.
Solutions
The space was outfitted with a plethora of technology and flexibility, which boasts sliding monitor rails and integrated LED accent lighting throughout. The most important component of a space like this is its ability to transform into a variety of different adaptable learning environments at a moment’s notice.
INASMUCH Foundation Collaborative Learning Center
- University of Oklahoma Law Library
- Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
The University wanted to renovate 8000 sq ft in the law school to incorporate a modern design within a traditional architecture, all while students were attending classes; therefore, construction needed to be as clean and quiet as possible.
Solutions
Krittenbrink coordinated work to be during students’ least-affected times to create a state-of-the-art, collaborative space to practice the practical application of law.
Longfellow Middle School
Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
Recreate the library and administration areas of a middle school built in the 50’s. Enhance security and safety considerations to the existing administration area along with updated aesthetic and functional considerations. Create state-of-the-art library embracing a “fewer books, more technology “philosophy.
Solutions
The existing vestibule and circulation paths were both reconfigured to allow for a secure vestibule. Reconfigured vestibule allows a patron to see the entire space, improving both wayfinding and security. Repurposed and expanded the library to update functions, including a new collaboration area, a Genius Bar, ??? Station, Charging Station, etc.
Berry Conference Center
- University of Oklahoma
- Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
The University of Oklahoma College of Law had a dated, dark conference room that was not consistent with the modern, technically-savvy direction that the overall school architecture was taking.
Solutions
Krittenbrink used unused space from the stacks and administration portion of the building to expand the small conference room and enlarge the space, designing both a bigger conference room. Additionally, the firm was able to create a small office for law school recruitment activities. Now enabled to support presentations and meetings using modern technology, the conference room is an attractive consideration for visiting, potential law students.
Garland Smith Public Library
Marlow, Oklahoma
Challenges
Small, dated public library needed to expand to encompass current multiple uses, including a community center. Site analysis was required to determine whether it was more advantageous to build new or renovate an existing space.
Solutions
Renovated a vacant armory to accommodate the library and used the attached former maintenance garage as the community center. Design was four times larger than old building, which allowed for current technology upgrades, two state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a catering kitchen, bathrooms, and an open, contemporary library. Attached building became a community center with big patio that allowed for spill-over of large crowds. Exterior architecture expressed a “community” approach from the North and a defined “library” entrance as the dominant feature.
Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Challenges
Difficult site with challenging topography. State requirements for energy efficiency coupled with a limited budget. Multiple authorities having overlapping jurisdictions, including Capitol Medical Complex, OMES, Public Art of Oklahoma.
Solutions
Incorporated an existing concrete retaining wall into the current site design, which made a distinguished image along Lincoln Boulevard. Light filled atrium welcomes the visitor, who is directed towards OSBP, tenant, or common space. A geothermal heat system was incorporated to help with utility costs. Met the primary tenant’s fixed space requirement with the remaining square footage to be leased to an unknown tenant.
First American Bank
Newcastle, Oklahoma
Challenges
Existing bank building was not longer adequate due to increased development in the area. Building did not address needs of city/rural client base, and presentation was unprofessional.
Solutions
Existing urban bank prototype was adapted to represent the bank in a rural setting. Interior spaces were reconfigured to accommodate location needs as a center for local activity/communication, and interior design was revised to reflect a more professional appearance. The drive-through facility was adapted to handle larger and more diverse vehicular traffic.
St. Andrew Dung-Lac Catholic Parish
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Challenges
Create a master plan for a new church campus that ultimately will include a church, parish hall, office and rectory. Create church architecture reflective of a church in Vietnam. Create a worship facility that would house 1200, a chapel that would seat 150, and all the support functions associated.
Solutions
Church is contemporary in style and sensitive to the Vietnamese culture of church community. Facility is to function for daily use (15) to weekly use (1200), and to act together for overflow services. New building is a 17,000 sf facility, featuring soaring dynamic architecture, stat-of-the-art technology and acoustic systems. Finish materials reflect a simplicity, which aides in the spirituality of the space. Top end materials. Natural light was incorporated (reflected) to enhance drama of main altar. Artificial light allows for multiple settings, multiple moods.
Bank of Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Challenges
Bank wanted to roll out fresh, new prototype that complemented and referenced the original bank design. Corner location required that all four sides of the building reflect the new corporate image.
Solutions
Architect designed a smaller, more efficient version of the original prototype resulting in corresponding cost savings. Corporate image was presented on all four sides, yet still maintained a clear main entry that was easily defined for patrons.
First American Bank
Southwest Oklahoma City
Challenges
First American Bank is in a rural location with community bank clients driving up to the bank with tractors and cattle trailers in tow. Parking, drive through banking and overall appearance needed to be updated to accommodate a more modern look, while considering local clientele.
Solutions
Kritttenbrink gave the bank a clean, bright presentation with a modest footprint of 5,000 square feet, which accommodated their budget. The drive-in banking accommodates large vehicles to serve their community.
EMSSTAT of Norman Regional Hospital
Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
Construct a working station for ambulances and equipment while creating a comfortable residential space for EMSStat personnel.
Solutions
Adopted an industrial design approach that provided functionality as well as a modern, comfortable living environment. Space includes equipment garage and storage, four bedrooms, restroom, kitchen and living area.
Noble Public Library
Noble, Oklahoma
Challenges
Existing building was cramped on space but had the luxury of being on a large lot. Lacked designated meeting areas; structure required total renovation.
Solutions
Added to the original building, increasing space from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. Addition included an adult wing with study rooms, seating areas and lounges; administrative offices and a community meeting room with 200-person capacity. Interior of old structure was renovated and remodeled to feature special areas for children, juveniles and teens. Care was taken to ensure exteriors of the original building and the addition were consistent. A portico was installed to secure the main entrance and make the building accessible.
Belmar Golf and Country Club
Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
A golf course built at an economic scale to be the feature of the surrounding housing development. New owner, Toby Keith wanted an upscale look that met all the needs of a first class country club.
Solutions
Combining new construction and renovation of existing space, a modest clubhouse was transformed to a state-of-the-art facility, inclusive of men’s locker room/lounge, women’s locker room/lounge, a restaurant with a private dining suite, a bar/grill, and a pro shop. An open air pavilion was converted into a ballroom, complete with catering kitchen and terrace overlooking the golf course. Adjacent was a new pool and cabana.
First Baptist Church of Norman
Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
The church had been added on to multiple times with little regard for the integration of one area to the other. The circulation was random, with some access to parts of the building, only available by crossing the sanctuary. Church offices were tight and not friendly to visitors, and classroom spaces were antiquated. The function and layout of the church proved to be a challenge, as there was no clear entry to the church office, no clear entry into the worship space, and no relationship to the street and parking lot. The exterior space lacked just as much comprehensive and functional design as the inside, and the entire building failed to prioritize proper security.
Solutions
Our first challenge to tackle was to create a new front entrance to the church that held a congregation area that directly communicated to the street and parking lot of the building, making it much more accessible and welcoming. We designed a new entry tower that visually directed people towards the office, optimizing the flow of movement while not detracting from the main church entrance. We revamped the interior spaces to accommodate modern applications for adult, teen, and children programs. Floor plans were opened up to the central circulation system, and were made more accessible with a new elevator tower.
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Challenges
Sts. Peter & Paul had not had a new building project since 1961. The campus was composed of five separate buildings with no physical connection. The only place for gathering after service was the school gym one block away. All weddings, funeral dinners, meetings, gatherings, etc., were being held in a 60-year-old concrete block gymnasium.
New construction had to flow seamlessly with the existing church, as well as match its 1906 architecture.
Solutions
A new parish hall was planned adjacent to the existing church, including a covered breezeway that leads you from the rear of church through the old rectory to the new parish hall.
This breezeway offers a light filled passage that leads to a parish hall seating over 250 people. Attached to this is a catering kitchen that serves all functions. Two meeting rooms were built to accommodate youth programs, and most importantly, a daily mass chapel that houses 40.
One building solved multiple shortcomings, and breathed new life into a parish that was in need of new direction.
St. Thomas More University Parish and Student Center
Norman, Oklahoma
Challenges
The St. Thomas More Student Center was built as a multi-purpose facility, completed in 1979. Over time, it morphed into a combination student center/family parish, yet the facility remained the same.
Solutions
Our job was to create a new worship facility that would house both functions comfortably, and provide meeting/worship spaces for both, and create a physical relationship with the University of Oklahoma across the street.
Additionally, religious contemporary architecture of the 70’s is not acceptable 40 years later, so meshing traditional and contemporary architecture into one cohesive structure.
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