Flynn Battaglia Architects was commissioned to study concept options for
a new Student Gathering Space, to be constructed in a highly visible location
at the center of the Alfred State College Campus. Located between (and connected
to) Central Dining Hall and Allied Health, along the campus' main pedestrian
route, this exciting, new structure represents the first component of a
long-planned Campus Center. This study was produced in conjunction with
other studies documenting several critical maintenance, life safety, environmental,
and operational issues existing in Central Dining, which is the College's
sole main dining facility and has remained virtually as constructed in the
1960's.
This concept project has emerged from the College's desire to create
a focal point along the main pedestrian spine to serve multiple purposes,
including use as a forum, informal performance and gathering venue, café,
coffeehouse, recreational, social, and educational space. Key to the design
was the creation of a dynamic and exciting new structure which would
instill students with a sense of place and ownership, and become the "coolest
place to hang out" in Alfred.
Included in the new Gathering Space are formal and informal spaces
for a variety of student activities and uses, from settings for groups of
two to performance space for an audience of 250 or more. Existing areas
in Central Dining were renovated to take advantage of this dramatic
two-story atrium building. A mezzanine or balcony level traverses the
perimeter of the atrium and connects Allied Health with Central Dining Hall at the upper
level, providing interesting activity and social areas with a view to
the dramatic space below, and the beautiful vistas to the southeast. Renovations
of Central Dining Hall included approximately 28,000 square feet of existing space,
which was phased with the addition project.
Client: State University College of Technology at Alfred
Location: Alfred, NY
Completion Date: 2008
