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
| Mar 26, 2014
Callison launches sustainable design tool with 84 proven strategies
Hybrid ventilation, nighttime cooling, and fuel cell technology are among the dozens of sustainable design techniques profiled by Callison on its new website, Matrix.Callison.com.
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Feb 25, 2014
Are these really the 'world's most spectacular university buildings'? [slideshow]
Emporis lists its top 13 higher education buildings from around the world. Do you agree with the rankings?
| Feb 24, 2014
First look: UC San Diego opens net-zero biological research lab
The facility is intended to be "the most sustainable laboratory in the world," and incorporates natural ventilation, passive cooling, high-efficiency plumbing, and sustainably harvested wood.
| Feb 14, 2014
Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture
The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen.
| Feb 13, 2014
University officials sound off on net zero energy buildings
As part of its ongoing ZNE buildings research project, Sasaki Associates, in collaboration with Buro Happold, surveyed some 500 campus designers and representatives on the top challenges and opportunities for achieving net-zero energy performance on university and college campuses.
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
