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 | Sep 7, 2017
Mashup in the halls of ivy: Campus expansions put the emphasis on elevating the student experience
Today’s multi-functional buildings support a diverse range of academic programs, with transparent walls to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
University Buildings | Sep 5, 2017
Rohrer College of Business supports the schools academic programs with several key spaces
Designed by KSS Architects and Goody Clancy, the new facility opened prior to the fall 2017 school year.
University Buildings | Sep 1, 2017
The University of Texas receives boutique-style student housing complex
The Ruckus Lofts provide 46 furnished units and 165 beds for UT students.
Libraries | Aug 30, 2017
1850s library building is brought into the 21st century
The original building was updated and given a new extension and landscaping.
University Buildings | Aug 28, 2017
Just what the doctor ordered: St. Louis College of Pharmacy receives new student center
The $50 million building adds over 193,000 sf of space to the campus.
University Buildings | Aug 25, 2017
‘Chapel of food’ becomes one of Clemson’s go-to spaces on campus
The new dining hall is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to maintain its standing among the country’s top 20 public universities.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
University Buildings | Aug 8, 2017
Student center(ed): Is the student union the key to retention?
Studies indicate that the longer a student remains on campus—and in an academic mindset—the greater their chance for academic growth and success.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 8, 2017
Kansas’ only medical school receives new 171,000-sf building
The building was designed to enhance the medical campus’ existing facilities, curriculum, and classrooms.
Laboratories | Aug 3, 2017
Today’s university lab building by the numbers
A three-month study of science facilities conducted by Shepley Bulfinch reveals key findings related to space allocation, size, and cost.