The Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center will total almost 47,000 sf across three different buildings on Duke University’s campus. Centerbrook Architects & Planners designed the new complex, which includes event and office space for the Duke Alumni Association and a visitor center.
The largest aspect of the complex is a new 20,200-sf events building with a grand dining and presentation hall, exhibits and lounges, a café, visitor support services, and a smaller meeting pavilion wing. The building is designed to be the first campus stop for returning alumni, prospective students, and visitors. “The striking contemporary glass complements solid walls that hint at Gothic traditions with vertical fenestration, cast stone panels, and a base of locally quarried ‘Duke stone,’ a prominent campus characteristic,” says Mark Simon, FAIA, Centerbrook Principal and Project Architect.
Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.
The second building is a new 16,900-sf, two-story alumni office meant for staff who support Duke’s alumni and development activities. The third aspect of the project is the renovation of the 7,400-sf Forlines House. This building was part of the original design of Duke’s West Campus that was originally constructed as a private residence for a university leader and used most recently as Duke’s Office of News and Communications. The renovation will remove modifications implemented through the years and restores the original rooms and details on the first floor. The renovations will also enhance the second floor for continued use as executive offices.
Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.
Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.
Rendering courtesy of Centerbrook Architects.
Related Stories
Contractors | Jun 15, 2019
Turner tops off new classroom space at Middle Tennessee State University
The building includes a “command center” for training students to interact with emergency personnel.
University Buildings | May 29, 2019
Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center opens
New building includes interactive exhibit in tribute to the center’s donor.
University Buildings | May 17, 2019
Designing for the next generation of student life
When a prospective student evaluates an institution, they are imagining whether they can see themselves there as an individual.
Healthcare Facilities | May 16, 2019
ASU Health Futures Center combines a novel design and approach to learning
The trapezoidal shape of the building is an eco-friendly feature.
University Buildings | May 8, 2019
Victory Drive Student Housing project will bring 650 beds to Savannah College of Art and Design
The project will utilize the design-build resources of Clayco and BatesForum.
University Buildings | May 7, 2019
Center for Engineering, Innovation, and Sciences opens on Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Boston campus
Leers Weinzapfel Associates designed the building.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2019
‘One Harvard’ initiative injects new life into campus center
The university’s Smith Campus Center now offers a centralized gathering place with several dining options.
University Buildings | Apr 24, 2019
Teaching on the cutting edge of design
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Campus Instructional Facility will celebrate and foster creativity and interdisciplinary cooperation.
University Buildings | Apr 22, 2019
An old warehouse building becomes the new Campus Center at Springfield Technical Community College
Ann Beha Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Apr 19, 2019
Curtin University library redevelopment will modernize iconic campus structure
Brutalist structure to be softened with redesign by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.
