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 | Jul 2, 2019
New Biomedical Research Center Facility at Northwestern University
Designed by Perkins+Will, the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center has spaces aiding medical discovery.
Contractors | Jun 15, 2019
Turner tops off new classroom space at Middle Tennessee State University
The building includes a “command center” for training students to interact with emergency personnel.
University Buildings | May 29, 2019
Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center opens
New building includes interactive exhibit in tribute to the center’s donor.
University Buildings | May 17, 2019
Designing for the next generation of student life
When a prospective student evaluates an institution, they are imagining whether they can see themselves there as an individual.
Healthcare Facilities | May 16, 2019
ASU Health Futures Center combines a novel design and approach to learning
The trapezoidal shape of the building is an eco-friendly feature.
University Buildings | May 8, 2019
Victory Drive Student Housing project will bring 650 beds to Savannah College of Art and Design
The project will utilize the design-build resources of Clayco and BatesForum.
University Buildings | May 7, 2019
Center for Engineering, Innovation, and Sciences opens on Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Boston campus
Leers Weinzapfel Associates designed the building.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2019
‘One Harvard’ initiative injects new life into campus center
The university’s Smith Campus Center now offers a centralized gathering place with several dining options.
University Buildings | Apr 24, 2019
Teaching on the cutting edge of design
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Campus Instructional Facility will celebrate and foster creativity and interdisciplinary cooperation.
University Buildings | Apr 22, 2019
An old warehouse building becomes the new Campus Center at Springfield Technical Community College
Ann Beha Architects designed the building.
