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The Student Hub

project type | higher education, student community center

sf | 185,850

location | Louisiana State University, Tower Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

keywords | student community center, higher education, renovation, health & wellbeing 

software used | Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator

project description | The new student community center will serve as the LSU’s campus’ hub of activities, reconnecting students with the campus atmosphere. The Student Hub of LSU will become a central campus resource that facilitates the curricular needs of the next generation of leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs of all disciplines.

thesis goals:

  1. Explore community spaces' impact on community wellbeing.

  2. Analyze diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

  3. Enhance confidence in articulating and developing design concepts.

  4. Improve proficiency in Revit and rendering software for effective design visualization.

thesis book

Sections + Elevation

The Problem

The existing library is a campus hub of activity, connecting students at its core, however, its current state does not properly accommodate the new era of students. The problem lies in the lack of a community identity and proper community space for students to utilize its resources. The mental health and well-being of the student population is deteriorated further due to the poor state of their built environment, inducing symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and so forth. Poor accessibility and lack of proper wayfinding signage delineates the neglectful behavior of academic institutions to redesign for the present community.

Research Question

How can academic institutions promote student well-being through a holistic system of environments and resources while reestablishing the community identity? What are the social, cultural, and psychological needs of a student that help rebuild the connection between the individual and the built environment?

Precedent Studies + Literature Reviews

To develop a program for my project type, I conducted precedent studies and literature reviews to enhance my understanding of relevant precedents.

Design Criteria

Programming

During the pre-schematic phase, the project required exploring a new program and architectural facade through the development of two concepts. The fourth floor was eliminated, so the blocking diagrams were redone to accommodate an updated program and the three existing floors. The initial design focused on connecting spaces, creating activity zones, and manipulating the available space through subtraction, pushing, and pulling. An open hallway concept was developed to reduce square footage and extend the existing quad. The architectural facade design was also explored during this phase and would be further developed in the schematic phase. Consideration of the existing architecture and landscape played a role in the design concepts for the interior and exterior, creating a harmonious blend of both experiences.

Site Analysis

Located on Louisiana State University’s campus, the former Troy H. Middleton Library completes a beloved quadrangle opposite the School of Architecture. Nestled in the heart of campus, it offers accessibility to resident and commuter students via nearby transportation options on Nicholson Drive and Highland Road. The five-story building overlooks the picturesque 'Quad' with oak trees and green spaces. Serving as the main library, it provides resources and services to all departments, including study areas, computer labs, and a coffee shop. Built in 1956 by Bodman, Murrell & Smith, the library's current design contrasts with LSU's architectural vision, prompting plans for a revitalized space blending Italian Renaissance elements with contemporary style.

Concept Development

Aligning with the holistic values of the original campus planners’ notion of the campus axes, the new student community center upholds past, present, and future generations of students with a contemporary architectural facade and renewed program. Like the grand oak trees that have aged with each generation of students on campus, the Student Hub blends these experiences with a timeless and modern design that uses the characteristics of wood finishes, dark bronze perforated metal, terrazzo, and classic neutral tones of cream and dark brown as well as pops of yellow and purple. Informal spaces are promoted using modular furniture and highlighted with vibrant hues of yellow and deep purples. The use of colored perforated metal introduces a lively element to the space, creating a sense of adventure. Green turf areas are tucked throughout the building to offer a space for relaxation and socializing in between studies. Integrated wall booths embraces a contemporary method of wall usage, creating more seats for students to study. Through the provision of mental support and childcare services, technological and academic resources, nutritional food options, cat café, varied study spaces, and nap rooms, the Student Hub of LSU will revitalize the well-being of the student population and reestablish the community identity of the greater Baton Rouge area with a transcendent and timeless design.

Workspace Typologies

In higher education institutions, having different types of workspace or study space is the most critical need for students. The four different types: personal, collaboration, social, and learning spaces are identified with typicals created by Steelcase. The selection of the typical furniture depended on the usability, functionality, and flexibility of each component. The following typicals are shown above.

Floor Plans

Design Development

FFE Selections

Poster

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