NC State Student Centers, MHTN Architects, Duda | Paine Architects, and Cooper Carry, Inc. have been honored by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) with a 2016 Facility Design Award for the renovation and expansion of Talley Student Union. The award was created to encourage and recognize excellence in the design of student-centered facilities that support campus community building and student success.
NC State Student Centers accepted the award along with the design team on Tuesday, March 22 at the ACUI National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries.
“We strive to create a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all campus community members,” said Tim Hogan, NC State Student Centers director. “Visitors and colleagues have come from around the globe to see our facility as they consider their own unions. Receiving this award is an honor and stands as a model for blending community and academics.”
Talley Student Union is not only a place for programs and performances, but also serves an important role as a campus healing space as students have gathered for vigils honoring the lives of fellow Wolfpack members.
The design and operations team engaged a diverse array of stakeholders and partners, each adding their own invaluable input in the development of flexible and inclusive spaces. Students were consulted heavily and included in the design process to ensure that their needs were addressed.
“Diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it interweaves in everything we do,” added TJ Willis, assistant director of the NC State Student Centers. “Diversity of thought, perspective, person and space. It’s in everything.”
In addition to serving as a campus connection point the facility was also designed with sustainability in mind. The U.S. Green Building Council recently designated the building as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building at the Silver level. Reusing materials from the previous structure reduced costs and landfill waste associated with building an entirely new student union.
NC State Student Centers is a service of Campus Enterprises, the lead division for retail and hospitality at NC State. Learn more at campusenterprises.ncsu.edu.