The 105,000-sf Learning Commons at Kettering University will become a new academic hub for the school that includes collaboration spaces, a library, an auditorium, access points for information resources, dining facilities, and a student worker space that focuses on mobility and artificial intelligence.
The Stantec-designed space will include a Design and Entrepreneur Lab where students can meet, make, create, and explore. The space includes a two-story glass wall showcasing the Kettering student experience from the west entry. The Media Resource Center will offer support and resources to students including an IT Help Desk and Media Specialist Kiosks for assistance with material retrieval and education support. Meanwhile, the Gallery Connector will open up to four full stories through the open air atrium and is topped by a skylight that fills the interior space with natural light.
See Also: Ciel Tower will be the tallest hotel in the world
The $63 million project also includes numerous sustainable features such as:
- Upper floors that are turned above the lower floors to reorient the building to the primary north-south axis, setting a new geometric alignment while optimizing passive energy performance by allowing for solar control and orientation
- Rooftop spaces and outdoor learning environments
- All primary mechanical and electrical equipment is located indoors to extend its operational life and to allow for the selection of high-performance equipment that can be easily maintained for optimal performance
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2022.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Jul 14, 2020
Cornell College partners with Johnson Controls to improve campus energy efficiency
The plan will reduce the college’s energy usage by 20%.
University Buildings | Jun 3, 2020
Renovation can turn older university buildings into high-performing labs
David Miller of BSALifeStructures offers technical advice on renovation of college and university laboratories and scientific research facilities.
University Buildings | Jun 2, 2020
COVID-19 and teaching the next generation of nurses
COVID-19 hasn’t just upended healthcare delivery, the workplace, and all levels of education – the economic toll is still being realized – and capital projects on college and university campuses will inevitably be impacted as public and privately funded projects adjust to the budget crunch.
University Buildings | May 20, 2020
JCJ Architecture, Moody Nolan complete UCONN's Student Recreation Center
The project sits at the center of the Storrs campus.
University Buildings | May 19, 2020
Clemson's new Outdoor Education Center uses a Mass Timber Structural System
Cooper Carry designed the project.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2020
Dixie State University's new Human Performance Center
Hastings+Chivetta designed the project.
Coronavirus | Apr 10, 2020
COVID-19: Converting existing hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other alternate care sites for coronavirus patients
COVID-19: Converting existing unused or underused hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other alternate care sites for coronavirus patients
University Buildings | Apr 9, 2020
Designing for the next generation of student life: Academically aligned
Since many academic departments have been concentrated in their own buildings or portions of campus, bringing these disciplines into a shared facility is fairly new territory.
Coronavirus | Mar 30, 2020
Learning from covid-19: Campuses are poised to help students be happier
Overcoming isolation isn’t just about the technological face to face, it is about finding meaningful connection and “togetherness”.
University Buildings | Mar 26, 2020
How to convert college dorms to support the coronavirus crisis
While student dormitories are well-suited to certain alternate healthcare uses — from housing clinical staff to treating low-acuity patients — there are important elements to consider when exploring how to convert them for coronavirus treatment.
