Northern Kentucky University’s campus is made up of a lot of concrete — despite being nestled in the hills of the state. Its well-established brutalist architectural style is characterized by simple, block-like forms. The university was open to elevating the architectural standard and establishing a new direction for design. They craved a beacon that invites students to gather, with options for socializing, dining, and meeting for activities. When partnering with the university on a new Student Union, we immediately understood the challenge of developing an inviting and contemporary structure while also honoring the long history and makeup of the campus.
We wanted to make sure we got the details right. In addition to working closely with NKU representatives to develop the program, our design process included forums where students voted for the features and spaces they wanted in the new facility.
The Student Union is located on a path between a primary parking structure and the main campus central plaza — an ideal crossroads for pedestrian traffic. We designed a tower as a new landmark and added an LED lighting system programmed to change colors for holidays and other occasions: a true beacon. Within our new design, we created a new quadrangle between the Student Union and the Herrmann Natural Science Center, attracting more people to gather and encounter the new space.
The three-story structure relies on translucent and transparent materials to invite as much natural light in as possible. The interior is all about movement and optimal gathering spaces. The open atrium travels through all three stories, encouraging students to engage in the building’s many activities passively, through observation from the balconies, or actively, through gathering in groups, whether they are studying, gaming, or simply socializing.
The movement throughout the structure continues with distributed meeting spaces, offices, and programs for students and visitors. Food is necessary for student life, so we created many options. The primary food service is on the second level and features seven food platforms, each offering a unique menu and seating. We added more opportunities to dine or lounge with outdoor patios and cyber cafes.
Student life is a crucial component to any university or college for recruitment and retention. NKU students experience campus life in a contemporary structure designed just for them.
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