Officials at Michigan State University’s East Lansing Campus were concerned that Owen Hall, a mid-20th-century residence facility, was no longer attracting much interest from its target audience, graduate and international students. Although the facility enjoyed a choice location on campus, students were finding more modern and better appointed options off campus. Hoping to renew interest in its faded facility, MSU engaged the Building Team of SmithGroup (architect and MEP engineer) and Triangle Associates (CM) to significantly upgrade the facility’s community spaces. The university wanted its $9 million makeover to have a “Wow!” factor.
Bold colors, a modern lighting scheme, and an open floor plan inject new excitement and energy into the building while also staying true to the original 1961 aesthetic of clean lines, simple forms, and minimal decoration. The project team had only nine months (including planning, design, and construction) to inject 21st-century modernity into the residence.
Work focused on two floors and 39,000 sf of space within the seven-story, 60,000-sf facility. Creating synergy between the lower level and the first floor was key to making the space feel more open, so two cutouts were made in the floor between the two levels. The openings give residents better sightlines throughout both floors and views into the new dining center, game room, and social/lounge spaces.
The dining center became a multipurpose eating/study lounge with a coffee shop and an emporium-style servery named “Riverwalk Market.” A significantly upgraded game room/TV lounge on the lower level connects to the community kitchen, where students can prepare their own meals. Private study spaces are scattered throughout the rehabbed areas.
Lighting played a significant role in the facility’s redesign. A bold green ribbon with a white LED edge light runs throughout the space, uniting the two floors and acting as a circulation element. LEDs also make the acrylic reception desk glow. Track lighting and general ambient lighting are used throughout. Despite the lighting’s high design, the system performs 26% below ASHRAE standards.
“The team did its job well,” said Reconstruction Awards judge Martha Bell, FAIA, LEED AP, principal, Tilton, Kelly+Bell, Chicago. “The facility is compelling and attractive to students, and the renovation is true to the building’s 1960s roots.” BD+C
PROJECT SUMMARY
Building Team
Submitting firm: SmithGroup (architect, MEP engineer)
Owner: Michigan State University
CM: Triangle Associates
General Information
Size: 39,000 gsf
Construction cost: $9 million
Construction period: May 2008 to August 2009
Delivery method: CM
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jul 28, 2015
Work begins on KPF's 'flared silhouette' tower in Manhattan
The 62-story, 157-unit luxury condo tower widens at the 40th floor, resulting in a gently flared silhouette, accented by a sculpted crown.
Museums | Jul 28, 2015
MUST SEE: Zaha Hadid's latest museum project is built into a mountain
The museum, dedicated to legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, is embedded within Mount Kronplatz in northern Italy.
Smart Buildings | Jul 27, 2015
Perkins+Will imagines new opportunity for Atlantic City
The architecture giant believes it has a solution that could put Atlantic City’s existing infrastructure to good use—by turning the Jersey Shore city into a research center for climate change and coastal resiliency.
Retail Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Fish-shaped shopping mall designed for odd plot of land in China
The mall, in Qinshui, a city in China’s Shanxi province, will fit within the 250x30-meter dimensions surrounded by parallel roads and two converging rivers.
Performing Arts Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Vox Populi: Netherlands municipality turns to public vote to select design for new theater
UNStudio’s Theatre on the Parade received nearly three-fifths of votes cast in contest between two finalists.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2015
Miami developers are designing luxury housing to cater to out-of-town buyers and renters
The Miami Herald reports on several new multifamily projects, including the Paramount Miami Worldcenter, whose homes include maid’s rooms, larger terraces, boutique-size closets, and guest suites.
Architects | Jul 23, 2015
CTBUH recognizes Parkroyal on Pickering as Urban Habitat Award winner
The Singapore hotel has green space galore
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 23, 2015
Japan announces new plan for Olympic Stadium
The country moves on from Zaha Hadid Architects, creators of the original stadium design scrapped last week.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.
Airports | Jul 22, 2015
MUST SEE: JFK airport taps Gensler to design terminal for animals
Pets can enjoy luxurious spa and grooming services before being transported directly to their flight from the terminal.