UTC University Center
TWH Architects was engaged by the University of Tennessee to expand and modernize the existing student center. The existing building suffered from antiquated systems and poorly organized circulation. Besides updating the 30 year old building, an auditorium, bookstore, computer lab, and fitness center were added.
The existing facility consisted of over 130,000 square feet, which included activity rooms, game room, meeting rooms, banquet rooms, dining rooms, and food service operation.
The building was expanded to the west where a new vehicular and pedestrian courtyard were added between the existing Student Center and the Maclellan Gymnasium. Referred to as Lansing Court, this area was designed to accommodate pedestrian access as well as a vehicular drop-off and pickup. A two-story entrance canopy and gallery greet students and visitors to the Student Center. A balcony surrounds the gallery space with the elevator and monumental staircase as a focal point leading from the lower level where the computer lab, game room, and other student activities are located. When you arrive at the second level of the gallery, two large banquet/meeting rooms open onto this space along with the lobby that leads to the 300-seat auditorium. From the gallery, a pedestrian street connects to the food court and other Student Center services. Meeting rooms, staff offices, and student government association quarters are accessed from the central food court area that serves as the center of activity. Daylight is introduced through skylights into the food court area as well as surrounding meeting rooms. The existing loading dock and service area that had to be maintained is located off of 5th Street. It is screened from view with a wall that connects the expansion with the existing facilities. The 5th Street entrance also serves as access to the relocated bookstore for both the community and student population. The Student Center’s prominent location at the center of the campus is designed to provide an open and welcome environment for both the students and community at large.
