Student Center

Together, the two design approaches offer a comprehensive demonstration of how thoughtful architectural strategies can strengthen historic contexts while expanding the capabilities of academic buildings to support public life, collaboration, and contemporary learning. Both explore how a new building can respectfully inhabit a sensitive site while delivering flexible program space, enhanced accessibility, and improved connections to surrounding academic facilities.

One approach preserves and builds upon an existing historic masonry façade, using it as a contextual anchor that conceals a new structure positioned discreetly behind it. This strategy maintains the familiar scale of the original building while introducing generous public spaces, hybrid work environments, and daylight-filled upper levels. Renderings and section studies show how the massing supports extensive glazing along key elevations, blends new and old architectural expressions, and creates a series of spaces—from lounges to study areas—that nurture academic engagement.

The second approach introduces a fully new structure that employs a stepped massing strategy and a sequence of “porches” to mediate scale and foster interaction. This design emphasizes openness and flexibility: floor plates integrate circulation and workspace, interior program areas connect vertically through a monumental stair, and multiple terraces and covered outdoor areas extend learning and gathering into the landscape. Renderings illustrate how colonnades, terraces, and deeply recessed façades create depth, shade, and architectural resonance with surrounding buildings, while maintaining a strong public presence.

Across both concepts, the plans highlight the incorporation of modern building systems, sustainable structural options, and fully accessible vertical circulation. Each design supports a balanced mix of public lounges, flexible workspaces, faculty areas, meeting rooms, and assembly spaces—demonstrating an ability to tailor academic environments to evolving institutional needs. Both approaches expand usable area while managing height, light, and façade articulation in ways that reinforce the character and comfort of their setting.

In Design

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