The newly completed I.W. “Ike” Cousins Center for Science and Innovation on the Oglethorpe University campus houses laboratory classrooms, spaces for interactive study across disciplines, and the university’s newly established Q. William Hammack Jr. School of Business.
The Cousins Center was built from a three-story modernist building originally constructed in 1970 and includes a 25,000-sf U-shaped addition that wraps three sides of the original hall. Modern elements, such as extensive glass walls, multiple new entryways that connect pedestrians from all corners of the campus, and enhanced accessibility were incorporated into the new design.
Many of these contemporary components, such as the curtain wall, metal panels, and roof overhangs were based on the fundamental proportions of historic documents discovered by the design team to appropriately blend the old with the new. Additionally, slate roofing tiles, granite walls, and precast concrete detailing provides a connection to the campus’ Collegiate Gothic architecture.
See Also: Columbus State Community College’s Mitchell Hall set to open for the coming semester
The Center’s interior includes a new space called “The Garage” that features a stage and tiered bleacher seating for events, as well as an industrial garage door that opens to a quad-level outdoor terrace. Upstairs, a loft space with reservable meeting rooms serves as an incubation lab where students can develop startups or create products.
The Cousins Center opened to students for the Fall semester, which began on Aug. 19.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Sep 8, 2020
William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center opens at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs
HOK and RTA designed the project.
University Buildings | Sep 2, 2020
University of North Carolina Charlotte Academic Complex completes
Woolpert provided design and engineering upgrades for the project.
University Buildings | Aug 31, 2020
Spain’s Loyola University earns world’s first LEED Platinum verification for an ‘integrated campus’
luis vidal + architects designed the project.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
University Buildings | Aug 27, 2020
Eight strategies for achieving successful P3 development models
Transparency and communication are imperative, says new white paper on these agreements.
University Buildings | Aug 20, 2020
Student housing in the COVID-19 era
Student housing remains a vital part of the student and campus experience.
University Buildings | Aug 12, 2020
The University of Toronto’s new learning and support hub is a ‘learning landscape’
ZAS Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Aug 11, 2020
UC Davis’s new dining commons is a nod to the region’s agricultural roots
HED designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 5, 2020
Oklahoma State University’s North Academic Building begins construction
Dewberry designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 3, 2020
5 reasons universities are renovating student housing
Clark Nexsen’s Student Life practice leader, Peter Aranyi, discusses the benefits of renovation and why it offers particular value to campuses nationwide.