Einstein Commons Building

Bronx, NY

EE&K has proposed creating a new Commons for the Einstein community by expanding upon underutilized existing facilities at the southeast edge of the campus. Space for new dining, café, lounge, study and conference facilities can be created by linking the space known as the “Glass Café” under Robbins Auditorium with the now-closed entrance to the Chanin Building, the Max and Sadie Lounge, and the underused lower Library stack areas.

The proposed new Commons facilities entail converting the existing lower stacks of the Library to new, high-quality study spaces, a new bookstore and a café. These areas will be linked with the main floor of the Library above via a new, open-access stair from the Forchheimer lobby and a new skylight bringing natural light into the heart of Main Street and the Commons.

The existing “Glass Café” becomes a new, expanded Dining Hall with a large servery capable of providing greater dining variety in a fresh, contemporary setting. The transformation of Einstein’s underutilized space can be largely carried out using existing building fabric, thereby minimizing costs and optimizing the use of space within the campus.

EE&K’s initial design studies have explored the potential for creating a variety of inviting and informal spaces within the Commons: multi-level; indoor and outdoor; open and shaded; large-scale and intimate; capable of hosting both small groups and the community as a whole. The Commons will be carefully designed to reflect Einstein’s character as a smart, serious, state-of-the-art place which is also inclusive, green, and environmentally aware.