Media & Immersive eXperience Center

Design Strategy

Allotted spaces for the Student Center program were never intended for public use. The design solution encompassed 4 distinct strategies to transform back-of-house spaces to vibrant zones of student activity.

These include: Open Up (views out + light in), Embrace History (express structure + exploit skylights + intervene lightly), Engage Civic Space Park (enter on the park + align with fabric) and Address the Student (flexible + dynamic spaces for both groups and individuals).

 

A reflective glass wall runs through the perimeter of the space on both levels separating the existing post office functions from student areas, and highlighting interior activities from inside to out. New interventions such as built-in benches, video conferencing zones, and a wood plank walkway engage historic fabric with a light touch allowing the visitor a clear understanding of what came before. The effort included a complete replacement of inefficient mechanical systems creating a smaller carbon footprint while re-using a valuable architectural asset.