Page 33 - College Planning & Management, November/December 2018

EDUCATION DESIGN SHOWCASE • COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
PROJECT OF DISTINCTION
UNIVERSITY COMMONS ADDITION AND RENOVATION MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY
DECATUR, IL
UNIVERSITY COMMONS serves as the new front door to Millikin University’s cam- pus, re-energizing the uni- versity’s learning spaces and uniquely combining library and student center functions into one central location.
The Commons seamlessly blends the renovated Staley Library with a large addition. The outmoded library, with its complicated stair system and low, angled ceilings, was transformed into an open, inviting environment that encourages collaboration and transparency. Ele- ments of the library were incorporated into a more efficient, forward-thinking design. High-density shelving stores the library’s collec- tion, reducing its footprint and freeing up space for collaboration studios, a new technologies lab, and in- creased research space. The Commons also houses many research and innovation pro- grams, including the Media Arts Center, WJMU Radio Station, Writing Center,
and Center for Leadership Education, as well as student dining and an event space.
Glass walls used through- out create visual connected- ness with minimal sound transmission. Students in the library can view the bustling activity but the noise will not disrupt their concentra- tion. Think Tank and col- laboration spaces are highly visible, glass-enclosed, and feature writable wall paint to encourage interactions and ideas.
The Commons has also achieved one of Millikin’s strategic goals of increasing enrollment and attracting more students from the sur- rounding community.
ARCHITECT
Hastings+Chivetta Architects
CARL DRAFALL, RA, LEED-AP BD+C 314/863-5717
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Ruby James, VP, Finance
COMPLETION DATE
August 2017
GROSS AREA
87,050 sq. ft.
AREA PER STUDENT
43.5 sq. ft.
SITE SIZE
2.09 acres
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
1,970
CAPACITY
1,609
COST PER STUDENT
$16,781
COST PER SQ. FT.
$310
TOTAL COST
$27,000,000
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
A very interesting program/ curriculum and challenge
of connecting to an existing building. What they chose
to do structurally and with circulation is good. A creative re-design.
SPACES4LEARNING.COM 33