George Washington University Charles E. Smith Center

The design team dove back into the history books while implementing fresh renovations to George Washington University’s Charles E. Smith Center arena. The university, founded in 1821, had no shortage of tradition; however, we focused on designing new techniques to honor the past in contemporary ways. This juxtaposition of old versus
new was executed through typography, imagery, and form. George Washington University is proud of their history and connection to America’s capital city. With views to
incredible sights such as the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial, the university has a unique recruiting advantage. The design team was challenged to define and maintain GW’s identity and brand. To create a lively and contemporary experience for the student body, fans, and potential recruits, we energized the spaces with pure whites, LED lighting, and a modern representation of their storied past.