Student Center
Project Description
Building a new student center was a critical step in Albany State’s effort to enhance recruitment and enrollment. The design goal was to create an iconic building that would serve as a “hub” for the various flows of student activities and be a “knot” that connects divergent spaces.
Project Stats
Location
Albany, Ga.
Square Footage
53,000
Year of Completion
2011
Project Gallery
The Process
The new Student Center is an addition that completely surrounds an existing dining hall and cascades down a hillside to a new lower level. It is designed to function as a “pass through” building linking the main campus pedestrian path with a major cross street one level up. The building is an activity hub located between the campus recreation center, the library and adjacent academic buildings. Careful design has created a facility that enhances pedestrian flow both vertically and horizontally while providing a new and vibrant place for student interaction.
Major spaces include a ballroom, meeting rooms, various dining options and student organization offices. Student gathering areas and study places are located throughout the building and spill out onto exterior plazas. Also included is a bookstore and spirit shop. Site development and expanses of glass make this a truly inviting indoor/outdoor building.
The exterior façade incorporates brick to reference the existing masonry fabric of the campus. Glass is used as a dominant material on the building exterior and metal panels accentuate the contemporary design approach.