Using Carleton University as a site, we were tasked with designing a new “University Center” located in relation to the Architecture building. With this program, we would acknowledge that the existing University Center would not be present, and thus provide us with an increased footprint for our design. The new University Center would need to act as a visual and symbolic gate to the University. While referencing the existing “Quad” as the Universities original heart of the campus, we felt that we needed to connect people across the University from Bronson to the Quad, along a bridge structure which would pass through our main “University Center”, ultimately arriving at the “Quad” and the campus’ most notable landmark, Dunton Tower. The design would feature two buildings along the main bridge path, one acting as a bookstore while the other would act as the main thoroughfare. The buildings would sit low on the site, and feature lots of light to directly contrast the stark opaqueness of the rest of the University. The bookstore would also act as a connection point from the Tunnels, Grade, and Bridge levels. Using a series of steel columns and tapered beams, our building would allow for larger spans, thus allowing for more views to the exterior.
In collaboration with Lizhi Jiang.