The new student center is a gateway to campus, serving as a front door and hub for student life.
The 76,000 sq. ft. student center is designed to address increased student demand for various services, including financial aid, registration, counseling, an expanded bookstore, dining, student activities, and administrative offices. It connects to the existing classroom building, creating an exterior courtyard for various activities.
High-Performance Design
The building incorporates extensive daylighting, energy-efficient systems, ground-source geothermal heating and cooling, and sustainable materials. Notably, the high-performing envelope design significantly reduces thermal bridging, resulting in a 40% improvement in energy efficiency compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2007 standards. The project has achieved LEED Gold certification
Student Activity Spaces
These spaces are strategically located, visible, and accessible from the lobby, encouraging student participation in campus life. A flexible space serves for new student orientation and other events, and the redesigned bookstore streamlines operations.
Campus Architecture
The building design uses muted grey pre-cast concrete but incorporates wood-grain phenolic resin panels, aluminum composite panels, pre-cast concrete panels, and high-efficiency glass to create a visually appealing contrast with the existing architecture.
User Involvement
User groups, including college administration, faculty, and students, were actively engaged in the design process through design charrettes. Goals included creating a campus “face,” introducing natural light, improving circulation, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering a sense of place.
