Student Center, Wayne State University

This transformation of an underutilized, Brutalist building into a vital and robust center of student engagement is a testimony to the innovative vision of the university and the design team.

To bring natural light and openness into the interior public spaces of this 150,000 gsf facility, portions of the exterior skin were replaced with a new 30 foot tall glazed panel system. Interior public spaces were retrofitted. The dining commons was expanded and new conference facilities, dance studios, retail venues, and various collaboration spaces for student engagement were added. The transformed facility has become the new gathering place and daily crossroads for the entire university community.

WTW Architects partnered with Neumann Smith on this dynamic student life project.