I.M. Pei at SUNY Fredonia

With the passing of I.M. Pei, we reflect on the 70-year career of I.M. Pei and his immeasurable contribution to the field of architecture. We all studied his paradigm-breaking brand of modernism, his exquisite use of concrete, and his defiant geometries.
Many of us had the intimate privilege of working on his creations here in Western New York – the signature buildings and Campus Master Plan of SUNY Fredonia! On designing a new Welcome Center, we worked with Fredonia to select a location that celebrates the vistas and reveals, eloquently created by Pei’s original campus design. For the iconic gateway building, Maytum Hall, we were tasked with the sensitive restoration of I.M. Pei’s creation, including replication of the precast concrete panels cladding its façade.

Preservation and renewal of the historic buildings of our past connect us with a sense of place and time. The preservation of I.M. Pei’s creations ensures they can inspire students for generations to come.

Find out more about the Maytum Hall Renovation project.

Spring Renewal

With our roots in Buffalo NY, it has always been imperative for our team at A|r to be four-season thinkers and designers. The elements have a profound and ever-changing effect on any built space, and the best designs use them to their advantage.

Universal Design for Public Comfort Stations

We strive to design for all at every level of the built environment. We are looking beyond Gender Neutral design to Universally designed bathrooms, or comfort stations – conceived to be accessible to all people, regardless of gender expression, age, ability, belief, and social structure.

Flex Classrooms

We know that a learning experience has as much to do with our environment as it does the teachers and students that create those experiences. After the past year, we have all gained a profound appreciation of how important these are to foster development and ignite a love for learning.