ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
A MODEL FOR INCLUSIVE DESIGN
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTER
CannonDesign introduces the new Student Center at Western Michigan University ( WMU ), a beacon of inclusion . Located on lands historically occupied by Ojibwe , Odawa , and Bodewadmi nations , the building is designed to be a student-centered gathering place that champions belonging and honors the roots of Native American heritage embedded throughout the site .
Replacing the Bernhard Center , the new vibrant space is designed to foster connection , community , and collaboration for all students . The three-level building features gathering and lounge spaces , dining options , the campus bookstore , an anticipated oncampus brewpub , retail locations such as FedEx and Starbucks , and more . Here , inclusion goes beyond small design elements , as the entire building and its design is a testament to the university ’ s commitment to fostering belonging and inclusivity . This project not only serves as a model for creating an authentic and inviting student center , but also demonstrates the opportunities that exist for prioritizing inclusivity in all aspects of campus life .
With input from thousands of students , the building layout was developed from the concept of “ C3 ” spaces : collide , collaborate , and conspire . The idea was for the flow and spacing of the floorplan to facilitate interstitial opportunities for students to connect with each other throughout the building . It aims to facilitate the types of engagement students identified as a driver for an atmosphere of belonging . Student feedback also influenced a design that incorporates elements of Native American culture , such as the idea of the sitting circle . Rather than the straight walls and rectangular spaces that are customary in traditional architecture , the building features mostly curved walls and circular rooms .
The celebration of nature was also a theme that served as a conceptual cornerstone of the building , incorporating inspiration from local natural elements . The ground floor rises out of the site and is clad in stone , which mirrors the bedrock of the region , Coldwater Shale . The middle level is wrapped in glass and features exposed columns , mimicking the experience of walking through a Michigan forest . The upper level features gold fins that fan out around the façade , providing sun protection and reflecting cutouts that mimic a tree canopy shadow onto the exterior glass and into the interior spaces .
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