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.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Aug 8, 2017
Student center(ed): Is the student union the key to retention?
Studies indicate that the longer a student remains on campus—and in an academic mindset—the greater their chance for academic growth and success.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 8, 2017
Kansas’ only medical school receives new 171,000-sf building
The building was designed to enhance the medical campus’ existing facilities, curriculum, and classrooms.
Laboratories | Aug 3, 2017
Today’s university lab building by the numbers
A three-month study of science facilities conducted by Shepley Bulfinch reveals key findings related to space allocation, size, and cost.
Education Facilities | Aug 3, 2017
School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University merges faculty, professionals, and academic programs
CannonDesign designed the facility, which features a 197-seat presentation hall and various control rooms.
Wood | Jul 10, 2017
University of Idaho Arena plans to make timber a focal point
The project received a Wood Innovation Grant that will help spur construction of the Hastings + Chivetta-designed project.
University Buildings | Jun 21, 2017
Student residence hall in Lisbon takes biophilic design to the next level
The luxury student accommodations will be Collegiate’s first outside of the U.K.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Blurring the lines: University of Chicago North Residential Commons
Gold Award: The University of Chicago’s new Residential Commons is part campus, part community.
Higher Education | Jun 7, 2017
Building for the future: Five trends in higher education projects
Preparing students for life after graduation has become the primary motivator behind construction initiatives at U.S. colleges and universities.
University Buildings | May 5, 2017
'Escape forward': How one public university plans to grow
How can public institutions expect to survive and thrive in Illinois' turbulent environment? The answer, for one school anyways, is to think and act like entrepreneurs.
University Buildings | Apr 28, 2017
Suburban Chicago college breaks ground on aviation-themed student center
The design of the center is meant to pay tribute to the university’s heritage in aviation and aeronautics.
