West Chester University, part of the state system of universities in Pennsylvania and located approximately 40 miles from Philadelphia, is comprised of a core campus of historical, stone schist structures, generally constructed from 1890 through the 1930's and a peripheral set of state built classrooms, dormitories and ancillary structures dating from post-WWII through 1980. The former buildings are generally of substantial quality; the latter structures were planned poorly and demean the core campus. The campus landscape at-large is spotty, with little continuity, especially as the campus dissipates to the peripheral structures.
by KieranTimberlake
West Chester University, part of the state system of universities in Pennsylvania and located approximately 40 miles from Philadelphia, is comprised of a core campus of historical, stone schist structures, generally constructed from 1890 through the 1930's and a peripheral set of state built classrooms, dormitories and ancillary structures dating from post-WWII through 1980. The former buildings are generally of substantial quality; the latter structures were planned poorly and demean the core campus. The campus landscape at-large is spotty, with little continuity, especially as the campus dissipates to the peripheral structures.
One of many challenges for the new renovation and addition was the need to provide a 'front door' and connection back to the main campus which sits on the other side of a main thoroughfare from the existing Student Union, built in the early 1970's. The existing building was set back from the street, rotated 45 degrees and depressed into the site, producing a timid image and unwelcoming presence to the north. The new addition is placed between the existing building and the street, reconciling the existing structure's recessive and disorienting nature with the existing core campus.
The newly configured Student Union consists of the original building - reconfigured as part of this project - and a new, substantial addition. The total program includes 102,000 square feet (roughly 40,000 SF in the addition and 62,000 SF in the existing building) in expanded dining, meeting, office, bookstore and lounge spaces for existing functions but also new programs such as a movie theater, health club, banquet, catering and multi-purpose facilities, study lounges and a computer center.
The new, more sculptural addition is intended to serve and extend the campus landscape. The whole site, was reorganized to accommodate 300 cars in a new landscape which embeds the recombinant structure. Recalling the stonework of the University's academic quad, the new monumental stone wall masks the addition's multi-purpose facility, acts as a reminder of the collegiate gothic academic buildings to the northeast, and is intended to knit the campus rift formed by Rosedale Avenue to the north while projecting a strong street presence. The warm, tan architectural concrete structure of the addition has been exposed on both the interior and exterior. It provides a rhythmic regulation of the schist rubble stone front wall, lead-coated copper trims and sidings, teak wood windows, stainless steel railings and slate shingle wall panels. Upon entering the building the exposed concrete joins a pallette of interior materials which include mahogany and maple wall paneling, plaster walls and soffits, custom metal and glass luminous walls and terrazzo flooring.
The reconfigured structure corrects the confusing, inefficient entry and corridor layout of the existing building by utilizing a centralized internal circulation pattern. To this end, a monumental stair and atrium were placed at the point of connection between the existing and new buildings and parallel to the street. This atrium space and stair provide an orientation landmark to occupants as well as a visual connection between the floors. While the monumental stair connects more active lower three floors, access to the quieter penthouse study lounges and computer room is provided by a smaller stair. Visual continuity to the floors below is provided by a glass corridor wall which affords views of the monumental stair below.
The new spaces welcomes visitors with natural light. The inside of the building is connected back to the outdoors through terrace extensions and broad, open window areas. This connection to the life on campus, is fundamental and paramount to the health and welfare of the student, administrator, building and campus.
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