# Transformed Architecture Schools The Rice University Reno Reconfigures MD Anderson Hall By Amy Duong | Published 2025-12-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rice-university-1 References: [kwongvonglinow](http://kwongvonglinow.com/)  The Rice University renovation in MD [Anderson Hall](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-passiv) was commissioned by the [Rice School of Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannady-hall) and executed by Chicago-based firm Kwong Von Glinow to add a Welcome Center, a Student and Community Forum, and a Faculty & Staff [Lounge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charles-julia-cocktail-lounge) along the building’s central axis within the existing 1947 structure and its 1981 addition. The project involved inserting expansive glazing at the south façade to connect the quad with the Welcome Center and using interior curvilinear glass walls to define offices while encouraging visual connectivity. The Student and Community Forum above includes built-in tiered seating for informal gatherings and a ramp and stair link to adjacent Cannady Hall. The Faculty & Staff Lounge reworks the former reception area with a monolithic reception desk and a three-sided volume that delineates private and public zones while allowing light into the amenity spaces. The renovation respects the building’s historical context and integrates new spatial moments into a university architecture hub. Image Credit: Mikael Olsson ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 56% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Translucent Architecture:** The integration of expansive glazing and curvilinear glass walls emphasizes the growing trend of creating spaces that foster connectivity and transparency within buildings. - **Hybrid University Spaces:** The creation of multifunctional areas like the Student and Community Forum highlights a trend towards designing university spaces that facilitate both informal gatherings and structured activities. - **Historical-modern Integration:** Blending historical context with modern design elements, such as updated façades and sleek interior redesigns, reflects an emerging trend in preserving architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Educational Architecture:** Educational institutions are increasingly demanding architectural designs that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal to create more engaging learning environments. - **Glass Manufacturing:** Innovative uses of glass in architecture, such as in creating visual openness and functional barriers, are driving advances in glass production techniques and materials. - **Interior Design:** The need for versatile and aesthetically cohesive indoor spaces in educational buildings is propelling new interior design strategies that balance privacy with openness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxury Retail Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yorkdale-shopping-center.md) - [Botanical Signal Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-pulses.md) - [Connected Pelvic Floor Trainers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myhixel-fit-base.md) - [Sculptural Marbled Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tulip-chair.md) - [Modular Cable Organizer Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cords.md) - [Unified Brand Production Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brand-production.md) - [Hybrid Casual Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ragnarok-monster-kitchen.md) - [Ultra-Chic High-End Ski Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gucci-altitude.md)