Universities are doing whatever they can to try and attract as many applicants as possible, from new residence halls to dining halls, it’s all about creating memorable experiences for students.
Rutgers University - Camden’s most recent attempt at separating itself from competitors is a new branded Welcome Center. Designed by JZA+D, a “winding hallway of discovery” greets admissions candidates and leads to a bespoke reception desk and custom flooring designs.
Courtesy Rutgers University.
The welcome desk, circular overhead lighting fixtures, and accent walls are adorned with custom 3D text. Behind the desk, Rutgers archival pieces and university artifacts rest on illuminated bases and a graphic mural offers a glimpse of academic life imagery.
See Also: Academic honors: The importance of residence halls
Beyond the main waiting area is a hallway with moveable benches and chairs that leads to newly finished meeting rooms and a large presentation space for applicant information sessions. "The new spaces are also very adaptable and flexible,” says Joshua Zinder, Founder and Principal, JZA+D. “For example, the mural wall uses magnetic graphics, so the admissions team can add new images from time to time. Also, the built-in benches along the wall double as storage.”
The completed Welcome Center is now open.
Courtesy Rutgers University.
Courtesy Rutgers University.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Feb 23, 2015
Future-proofing educational institutions: 5 trends to consider
In response to rapidly changing conditions in K-12 and higher education, institutions and school districts should consider these five trends to ensure a productive, educated future.
University Buildings | Feb 20, 2015
Penn strengthens campus security by reviving its surrounding neighborhood
In 1996, the University of Pennsylvania’s sprawling campus in Philadelphia was in the grip of an unprecedented crime wave. But instead of walling themselves off from their surrounding neighborhoods, the school decided to support the community.
University Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Preparing for the worst: Campus security since Virginia Tech
Seven years after the mass shootings at Virginia Tech, colleges and universities continue to shake up their emergency communications and response capabilities to shootings and other criminal threats.
University Buildings | Feb 17, 2015
BD+C exclusive: How security is influencing campus design and construction
Campus crime—whether real or perceived—presents Building Teams with more opportunities for early-stage consultation with university clients.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.
| Jan 7, 2015
University of Chicago releases proposed sites for Obama library bid
There are two proposed sites for the plan, both owned by the Chicago Park District in Chicago’s South Side, near the university’s campus in Hyde Park, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
BIM and Information Technology | Dec 28, 2014
The Big Data revolution: How data-driven design is transforming project planning
There are literally hundreds of applications for deep analytics in planning and design projects, not to mention the many benefits for construction teams, building owners, and facility managers. We profile some early successful applications.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
