The Colorado College Honnen Arts Hub began as a renovation of a long-dormant ice rink, reimagined by KVA into a light-filled creative space anchored by its monumental vaulted ceiling. The architects preserved the arena’s 80-foot-high concrete thin-shell vaults, removing outdated insulation and replacing yellowed clerestory glazing with insulated glass that allows daylight to softly illuminate the interior. The result maintains the drama of the original structure while adapting it for modern academic and artistic use.

At the interiors, there are workspaces for 3D fabrication, classrooms, offices, and gallery zones that now occupy the former rink floor. A striking reddish-orange corridor, mirrored on the exterior entrance, acts as an internal “street” that guides visitors and strengthens the building’s identity. Sustainability strategies include passive cooling through displacement ventilation and optimized daylighting, ensuring the design balances energy efficiency with creative inspiration. The project preserves character while opening new possibilities for campus life.

Image Credit: Frank Ooms