The new Student Services Building, located at the end of an oak-lined street on the grounds of an HBCU, will address the growing demand for food services on the south end of a growing campus. Occupying a site that overlooks the University’s marching band practice field, the building will serve as a new gateway to the campus and be a pivotal element of its future masterplan. This new facility will include a large open dining hall offering a variety of food options; private dining and special function areas; expansive outdoor seating areas; a C-Store; and a small business center.

The 12,000-square-foot building is composed of two distinct geometric volumes separated along an east-west circulation spine and spatially organized to take advantage of several view corridors. The large rectangular volume to the north contains the main dining hall and servery lines, while the irregular-shaped volume to the south will accommodate different arrangements for special functions. With its mostly transparent facade, the building aims to create a seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces. The gardens surrounding the building will not only provide a welcoming transition from the larger-scale campus landscape, but will also define different types of outdoor gathering experiences. The primary architectural device on the exterior is the undulating perforated sunscreen that extends beyond the building, providing shade to both the glass facade and exterior terraces while also binding the various geometric elements, like a large ribbon.

The new Student Services Building will provide a much-needed facility for the continued growth and advancement of the University’s mission, while cultivating a greater sense of community among students, faculty, and visitors.