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
| Jan 3, 2012
New Chicago hospital prepared for pandemic, CBR terror threat
At a cost of $654 million, the 14-story, 830,000-sf medical center, designed by a Perkins+Will team led by design principal Ralph Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP, is distinguished in its ability to handle disasters.
| Dec 20, 2011
Gluckman Mayner Architects releases design for Syracuse law building
The design reflects an organizational clarity and professional sophistication that anticipates the user experience of students, faculty, and visitors alike.
| Dec 19, 2011
HGA renovates Rowing Center at Cornell University
Renovation provides state-of-the-art waterfront facility.
| Dec 16, 2011
Goody Clancy-designed Informatics Building dedicated at Northern Kentucky University
The sustainable building solution, built for approximately $255-sf, features innovative materials and intelligent building systems that align with the mission of integration and collaboration.
| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
Working closely with staff at Queen Mary University of London, MEP Engineers Mott MacDonald, Cost Consultants Burnley Wilson Fish and main contractor Charter Construction, we developed a three-fold solution for the sustainable retrofit of the building.
| Dec 2, 2011
Goody Clancy awarded Ohio State residential project
The project, which is focused on developing a vibrant on-campus community of learning for OSU undergraduates.
| Nov 23, 2011
Griffin Electric completes Gwinnett Tech project
Accommodating up to 3,000 students annually beginning this fall, the 78,000-sf, three-story facility consists of thirteen classrooms and twelve high-tech laboratories, in addition to several lecture halls and faculty offices.
| Nov 18, 2011
Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability opens
Designed to exceed LEED Platinum, the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) is one of the most innovative and high performance buildings in North America today, demonstrating leading-edge green building design products, technologies, and systems.
| Nov 11, 2011
Streamline Design-build with BIM
How construction manager Barton Malow utilized BIM and design-build to deliver a quick turnaround for Georgia Tech’s new practice facility.