CIRCUM™ Square: Redefining the John M. Paz ’78 Alumni Center
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At Dickinson College, the John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center elegantly blends the old with the new. Its design speaks across time, echoing history, capturing the present, and reaching towards the future.
Railing System: CIRCUM™ Square railing system
Location: Carlisle, PA
Architect: Murray Associates
Contractor: Wagman
Modern Design with History
The 2023 transformation of the President’s House into the John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center beautifully illustrates the connection between past and present. This renovation emphasized the building’s historical significance through a striking contrast, particularly visible in the modern glass entryway set against traditional brick.
Reflecting on this approach, the Murray Associates architectural team stated, “We believe that adding an idea that is totally different actually makes the historic element stand out even more.” With this philosophy in mind, HDI’s railings played a crucial role, especially in terms of accessibility. “The HDI railings were integral in achieving the accessibility piece of the ramp as they mimicked the modernity that juxtaposed the historic building so well,” remarked the Murray Associates team.
Illuminating Elegance
At dusk, the John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center is illuminated by LED puck lights from the CIRCUM™ Square railing system. These lights, adjustable in color and intensity, safely illuminate the paths while enhancing the building’s elegance. This not only ensures the safety of its storied pathways but also magnifies the building’s timeless appeal.
Precision Crafted
Each stainless steel midrail, meticulously crafted and assembled, stands as a symbol of the enduring partnership between tradition and progress. The meticulous engineering of the CIRCUM™ Square railing system reflects a dedication to lasting quality and aesthetic excellence.
The legacy of the John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center is further enriched by the testimonial from its architects, who note the significant role of HDI Railings in the Center’s evolution: “The railing is very visible and quite a design element…we really love the introduction of clean and modern to a traditional palette and HDI has the railings to make that happen seamlessly.”
This endorsement serves as a testament to HDI Railings’ pivotal contribution to the project—a blend of utility and finesse that will continue to influence the future of historic renovations. The Center now stands as an example of how historical preservation can harmonize with innovative design to create a space that is both evocative of the past and ready for the future.