Michigan State University for the Owen Graduate Center Refurbishment, with SmithGroup; also Triangle Associates, Inc.; KAS Estimating Service; Baker Foodservice Design, Inc.

photo by Jim Haefner

        
photos by Jim Haefner

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Owen Graduate Hall is Michigan State University’s only traditional-style residence hall designed for graduate and professional students. To reverse declining interest and attract new students to Owen, a new vision for a re-energized hall was developed.

Goals of the strategic master plan were to define and enhance the student experience by promoting learning and development through interaction; create vibrancy, renewal and higher levels of satisfaction and achievement; provide diverse spaces for a globally minded student; initiate a transformative, world-class model of the residential experience with accessibility, sustainability and stewardship.

“The transformation was completely student focused and resulted in a welcoming service-oriented and visually impressive on-campus housing option,” says Senior University Architect Greg W. Houghtaling.

A key component to utilizing space focused on creating synergy between the basement level and first floor, creating views into and out of the building, integrating different programmatic spaces on the same floor, bringing new life to worn out areas, and developing various types of study spaces.

The renovated hall utilized materials with recycled content; rapidly renewable materials; exposed ceiling construction; occupancy sensors; LED lighting; construction waste management program to reduce landfill material; low emitting materials; air monitoring; and increased ventilation.

Respecting Owen Hall’s architectural design heritage was important, so inside/out relationships were established at the entrance and in the dining hall. Interior views reveal architecture that complements the 1960s exterior. The use of color, lighting, and simple forms enable the interior architecture to work with the existing exterior to create a unified design that respects the original.

Creating technology rich spaces was critical to the modernization including an information hub, game room, video communication, and study rooms.

New four to twenty-person study spaces with full wall white boards, technology, projection screens, professional lighting, and comfortable furniture were developed to encourage group/team interaction.

The jury said, “ . . . well executed project, respects and preserves existing building . . . don’t throw something like this away . . . the building has good life in it . . . just give it the smallest amount of attention . . . ”

Project Team: Michigan State University and SmithGroup; with Triangle Associates, Inc.; KAS Estimating Service; Baker Foodservice Design, Inc.