Quackenbush Architects + Planners

The original suite had an understated presence in the Union and was not easily accessible to faculty and students. The interiors were organized as a compartmentalized, traditional private office suite, supporting little cross-pollination of ideas and no visibility of the activities of student leaders. The existing waiting area created barriers for students to interact with the leadership and guidance professionals. The layout restricted collaborative work with students, faculty, and staff; a single traditional conference room as the only meeting space within the suite. The space also lacked significant daylighting and views to campus. The pre-existing suite had a modest presence on the main circulation spine of the union and was unrecognizable from the exterior of the building.

With the waiting room removed, an open-door policy for collaborative activity is on full display for the campus. The space is simplified, flexible, and provides a multitude of options for assembly and group work. The Leadership Staff is dispersed throughout the space in open workstations, allowing staff-to student interactions to happen more fluidly. A new bay window on the north side brings in added daylight and gives the center a presence on the exterior of the building to passersby. With the removal of interior partitions, daylight penetrates through transparent or semitransparent glazed surfaces, highlighting student work. Reworking mechanical and storage areas allows increased efficiency and gains more programmatic square footage. The formerly abandoned stair is removed and reconfigured into a stepped amphitheater space for guest lecturers, group work and collaboration.