Carved from under-utilized and under-appreciated existing library and lounge space at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, the 13,000 ft² Student Learning Center supports a broad range of services, activities and multi-modal learning and collaboration settings. The program is organized around an information commons that provides space for informal study, multimedia research, consulting, collaboration, gathering of student clubs and socializing. Innovative furniture systems and technology are leveraged to respond to the latest trends in student study habits and social interaction.

The design maximizes flexibility, connectivity and natural daylighting by opening-up the existing space, minimizing fixed walls and ceilings, incorporating extensive interior glazing and utilizing furniture and lighting to support a variety of activity-based settings. Open ceilings maximize the height of the spaces while suspended lighting and active chilled-beams optimize comfort and energy efficiency. Acoustics are tuned for each activity zone through specific material and furniture selections.

At the center of the composition is the internally illuminated Front Desk providing reference, resources and support. The Front Desk also incorporates an espresso bar to further promote informal collaboration and a sense of community. An array of wooden portals weave through the space, bringing power and services to the study areas and imparting a dynamic identity to the Student Learning Center. To foster a broad exchange of knowledge beyond disciplinary boundaries and regional borders, active and passive media walls link the spaces to each other, to spaces around the campus and to institutions and businesses around the world.

A COMMUNITY OF
LEARNERS