addition gives distinct identity to eku program of distinction
July 10 Filed in: project profiles & progress
Inside the building, the sprawling complex offers faculty and students places to gather for learning and lounging including a student lounge area and 11 faculty offices overlooking the small lake behind the building. Student advising and alumni services offices are housed in a large suite at the building entry. A dedicated event space dubbed the "hub" is adjacent to the lobby and can facilitate lectures, job fairs, and other College events. Breakouts areas for larger visiting groups can use the new multi-level 80-seat classroom, graduate seminar room, multimedia intensive 46-seat classroom, and adjacent seating areas. The College’s Distance Education and Multimedia Services will benefit greatly from the new, nearly soundproof video recording studio and adjacent production spaces. Infrastructure is also given an upgrade with new electrical, communications, and fire alarm lines designed by CMTA Engineers allowing for future expansion of the buildings systems.
Outside the building, gathering areas include a new front plaza and a 2-level rear patio seating overlooking the lake. The addition’s exterior materials palette matches the existing building and offers an updated look to the 37 year-old facility with the incorporation of high performance glazing.
Though several sustainable strategies were used in the addition, such as low-emissivity glass and ENERGY STAR compliant roofing, the most important sustainable strategy was improving the usability of the existing complex as opposed to building a new one. During construction, contractors will be required to complete a waste management plan for demolition materials with a minimum goal of 50% salvaged or recycled.
With the bid opening scheduled for July 9, construction will begin August 1, enabling the new space to be open for classes beginning the Fall 2011 semester. Check out a brief video highlighting the upcoming building improvements on the EKU website.
