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East Tennessee State University

D.P. Culp Center Renovation and Addition


Project Description

The 126,000 sf renovation converts a brutalist building into an open and flexible student center designed to elevate the transparency of the center’s activities. The building carefully blends into the existing fabric of the campus, while prioritizing a modern and high-performing façade.

Project Stats

Location

Johnson City, TN

Year Completed

2018

Square Footage

125,608 addition, 61,099 renovation

Project Gallery

Design Features

Previously a closed and inefficient structure, the addition increases access to natural light and reorganizes the building to foster connection. The increased access to daylight promotes a healthy indoor environment and enhances the building’s energy performance. The circulation strategy promotes pedestrian activity through the central spine of the building as an interior street, reactivating the center as a hub of social connection.

The building program consolidates student services into a central location, connecting students to vital resources and one another. Flexible interior spaces are equipped with technology and diverse furniture options, capable of hosting a wide spectrum of activities including performances, study groups and eSports tournaments. The building also offers retail, dining, a coffee shop and collaboration spaces.