Title: St. Augustine's University Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Center Renovation
Location of Proejct: Raleigh, North Carolina
Project Completion Date: N/A
Firm Name: Andre Johnson Architect, PLLC

Short Description: The Student Center is a revitalizer for the central hub of campus, housing campus activities that will allow students to gather in-between and after classes. The project is the result of an award of a federal grant for improvements to the existing building due to damage from recent storms. Interior walls, finishes and other items are replaced. In addition, the exterior of the building is modified to restrict water intrusion. The restoration and revitalization of the building will be the first major construction project on the campus in over 30 years bringing a much needed campus center back to life.

Architect's Statement: With a restrictive budget, the design team implemented solutions to the renovation of the
Student Center which provided a 70% to 80% increase in efficiency as compared to the existing
conditions. By increasing efficiency as well as implementing other elements of sustainability,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Center becomes a hub for comfort and wellness.

The design team was very creative with the use of the existing building. We developed a comprehensive renovation while keeping nearly 70% of the existing building. This includes the exterior and interior walls. The improvements to the exterior remedy storm damage from recent hurricanes. Due to the storm damage, the existing building experienced water intrusion that damaged the interior ceiling, wall partitions and flooring.

The renovation also includes enhancements to the existing landscaped forecourt. The current barren and used area will be reinvigorated with native species plants, seating areas and shade trees. This intervention will bring life into this part of the campus as well as the building.

Materials on the exterior consist of expansive storefront glazing, replacing the punched windows on the east, west, and south elevations. A perforated metal screen adds a layer of protection and deflects light entering into the spaces occupying the south elevation.

The areas inside the Student Center consist of a dining room, flexible lounge and meeting space, student areas, and a roof terrace. The proposed renovations is a strategic intervention to enhance the existing facility that has not had any modifications or updates since the building was completed in 1969. With modern updates as well as the introduction of color and natural wood, the student center is a much brighter and livelier place. The program required the insertion of varied open seating styles. The main way-finding element of the building is centered around the grand stair and the connected defining element. A slatted wood element extends from the first floor to the second floor and creates a semi-private seating area. The design includes the introduction of a new gaming and recreation room, modification to existing dining spaces and new offices and meeting spaces for the Student Government Association.

The proposed renovation also includes improvements to the existing roof terraces. The existing roof terraces are unusable and uncomfortable exterior spaces. The roof terraces face east and west and do not have any areas to sit, no material differentiation and no shading devices. The proposed design approach activates the roof terraces and provides areas for students to enjoy the outdoors. The interior modifications extend and connect the roof terraces to the interior public spaces. In order to limit the cost to the intervention and loading on the existing structural system, the design utilizes planter boxes and artificial "grass" to achieve the look and design of an enjoyable roof terrace. New planted trees on the west of the building further enhance the experience and provide much needed shade for the building and the roof terrace.

Overall, the Student Center brings a pleasant presence to the campus’s central hub and will be a night light to the campus after hours.