Officials at Michigan State University’s East Lansing Campus were concerned that Owen Hall, a mid-20th-century residence facility, was no longer attracting much interest from its target audience, graduate and international students. Although the facility enjoyed a choice location on campus, students were finding more modern and better appointed options off campus. Hoping to renew interest in its faded facility, MSU engaged the Building Team of SmithGroup (architect and MEP engineer) and Triangle Associates (CM) to significantly upgrade the facility’s community spaces. The university wanted its $9 million makeover to have a “Wow!” factor.
Bold colors, a modern lighting scheme, and an open floor plan inject new excitement and energy into the building while also staying true to the original 1961 aesthetic of clean lines, simple forms, and minimal decoration. The project team had only nine months (including planning, design, and construction) to inject 21st-century modernity into the residence.
Work focused on two floors and 39,000 sf of space within the seven-story, 60,000-sf facility. Creating synergy between the lower level and the first floor was key to making the space feel more open, so two cutouts were made in the floor between the two levels. The openings give residents better sightlines throughout both floors and views into the new dining center, game room, and social/lounge spaces.
The dining center became a multipurpose eating/study lounge with a coffee shop and an emporium-style servery named “Riverwalk Market.” A significantly upgraded game room/TV lounge on the lower level connects to the community kitchen, where students can prepare their own meals. Private study spaces are scattered throughout the rehabbed areas.
Lighting played a significant role in the facility’s redesign. A bold green ribbon with a white LED edge light runs throughout the space, uniting the two floors and acting as a circulation element. LEDs also make the acrylic reception desk glow. Track lighting and general ambient lighting are used throughout. Despite the lighting’s high design, the system performs 26% below ASHRAE standards.
“The team did its job well,” said Reconstruction Awards judge Martha Bell, FAIA, LEED AP, principal, Tilton, Kelly+Bell, Chicago. “The facility is compelling and attractive to students, and the renovation is true to the building’s 1960s roots.” BD+C
PROJECT SUMMARY
Building Team
Submitting firm: SmithGroup (architect, MEP engineer)
Owner: Michigan State University
CM: Triangle Associates
General Information
Size: 39,000 gsf
Construction cost: $9 million
Construction period: May 2008 to August 2009
Delivery method: CM
Related Stories
| Oct 25, 2011
DOE issues report on financing solar photovoltaic systems for K-12 schools
The report examines the two primary types of ownership models used to obtain solar installations. This analysis can help school administrators across the country select the best option for deploying solar technologies in their school districts.
| Oct 25, 2011
MKK participates in BSA Engineering Merit Badge day
MKK principal Craig Watts attended the event as a representative of the MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) engineering industry to give scouts an idea of what’s involved in becoming a mechanical engineer, and an overview of a typical day in the life of an engineer.
| Oct 24, 2011
FMI releases Adjust, Adapt, Act Study
The paper explores several case studies, including Sun Country Builders, Huen, BakerTriangle, Consigli, Skender Construction and Flatiron, and distills the key factors that make these companies unique and successful.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 24, 2011
Kolbe adds 3-D models of direct set windows to BIM library?
Beveled Direct Set SketchUp and Revit Models available.
| Oct 20, 2011
UNT receives nation’s first LEED Platinum designation for collegiate stadium
Apogee Stadium will achieve another first in December with the completion of three wind turbines that will feed the electrical grid that powers the stadium.
| Oct 20, 2011
Process leads to new design values for southern pine and other visually graded dimension lumber
A summary of the process used to develop new design values will clarify many of the questions received by the SFPA.
| Oct 20, 2011
Johnson Controls appoints Wojciechowski to lead real estate and facilities management business for Global Technology sector
Wojciechowski will be responsible for leading the continued growth of the technology vertical market, while building on the expertise the company has developed serving multinational technology companies.
| Oct 20, 2011
Stellar hires Navy veteran Taylor as vice president
Stellar’s federal experience includes military exchanges (large retail stores on military bases), lodging facilities for military personnel, fuel stations, youth activities centers and recreational centers.
