John Payne Student Center + Location: Jiangxi Normal University + Nanchang, Jiangxi - China + In order to create a welcoming space, we considered what the space is for, who will occupy the space and what surrounds the space. The focus was to design an inviting, usable space for the student body while exploring the idea of architecture as more than just a built form. A curved, ten-story feature looks out onto an integrated social space with landscaping. The infused glass and steel treatment serves as a gathering space that reaches far beyond the traditional student center program. The center includes space for student clubs, student organizations, study areas and administration offices. The open entrance space connects the building to two seperate lounge areas. The place will foster a casual discovery of being: a reflection upon the students own existence based upon participation in group events and an intellectual attitude. To create a space that inspires, rather than impose: such a discovery is the foremost challenge of this studio.

2009

2009

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