In Flint, Mich., Kettering University opened its new $63 million Learning Commons, designed by Stantec. The new facility will support collaboration, ideation, and digital technology for the STEM-focused higher learning institution.
The four-story, 105,000-sf building includes an open-air atrium as well as a skylight designed to fill the entire interior with natural light. The first and second floors feature public gathering, dining, and collaborative spaces.
The third and fourth floors offer additional collaborative spaces and areas for research, student support, media resources, individual focus, and group project work. Other elements include a 200-seat multimedia auditorium and an overnight suite for guest professors and lecturers.
The facility also features more than a dozen spaces that serve as collaborative study and team rooms, with comfortable and functional seating for students, faculty, and staff, as well as digital and analog work tools. Two Knowledge Bars host a fully digital library, with more than 900,000 e-books, 100,000 e-journals, and 100-plus databases.
A 1,600-sf rooftop garden will reduce runoff and lower temperatures on its surface and the surrounding area.
Stantec’s design of the Learning Commons reflects the school’s longevity while offering durability for the years ahead.
“The Stantec team focused on giving the new facility a timeless and elegant design. The interior has been strategically designed to provide optimum flexibility, with power and technology woven throughout. The building can easily transform to meet the needs of students and faculty, while also allowing for easy adaptability to future programs or space reconfigurations,” Stantec said in a statement.
On the Building Team:
Owner: Kettering University
Design architect and architect of record: Stantec
MEP and structural engineer: Stantec
Civil/site engineer: Spalding DeDecker
Landscape architect: Michael J. Dul & Associates
Technology: NV5
General contractor/construction manager: Clark Construction Company
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 5 .jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%205%20.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 2 .jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%202%20.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 7.jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%207.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 6.jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%206.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 3.jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%203.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 4.jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%204.jpeg)
![Kettering University Learning Commons designed by Stantec, Jason Keen Photography 37.jpeg](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kettering%20University%20Learning%20Commons%20designed%20by%20Stantec%2C%20Jason%20Keen%20Photography%2037.jpeg)
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Aug 13, 2019
2019 Science + Technology Giants Report: Operational flexibility is a must for S+T buildings
The science and technology (S+T) sector is arguably the industry’s most complex because it caters to a diverse clientele with specific priorities and imperatives, according to Building Design+Construction's 2019 Giants 300 Report.
University Buildings | Aug 8, 2019
New Student Wellness Center at the University of Chicago begins construction
Wight & Company is providing design-build services for the project.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 6, 2019
St. Edward’s University Recreation and Athletic Center addition adds 12,400 sf to existing athletic center
Specht Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Jul 10, 2019
Campus costs: Square foot construction prices for student unions
Using RSMeans data from Gordian, here are the most recent costs per square foot of college student unions in 10 college cities across the U.S.
University Buildings | Jul 3, 2019
Duke’s new Chinese campus sits atop a manmade lake
Gensler and LandDesign designed the project.
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.