Duke University’s new alumni and visitors center is a ‘modern adaptation of the campus’ architectural style’

The Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center will total almost 47,000 sf across three different buildings on Duke University’s campus. Centerbrook Architects & Planners designed the new complex, which includes event and office space for the Duke Alumni Association and a visitor center.

The largest aspect of the complex is a new 20,200-sf events building with a grand dining and presentation hall, exhibits and lounges, a café, visitor support services, and a smaller meeting pavilion wing. The building is designed to be the first campus stop for returning alumni, prospective students, and visitors. “The striking contemporary glass complements solid walls that hint at Gothic traditions with vertical fenestration, cast stone panels, and a base of locally quarried ‘Duke stone,’ a prominent campus characteristic,” says Mark Simon, FAIA, Centerbrook Principal and Project Architect.

Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.

The second building is a new 16,900-sf, two-story alumni office meant for staff who support Duke’s alumni and development activities. The third aspect of the project is the renovation of the 7,400-sf Forlines House. This building was part of the original design of Duke’s West Campus that was originally constructed as a private residence for a university leader and used most recently as Duke’s Office of News and Communications. The renovation will remove modifications implemented through the years and restores the original rooms and details on the first floor. The renovations will also enhance the second floor for continued use as executive offices.

Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.

Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.

Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.