IND312- HIGHER EDUCATIONAL FACILITY
SPRING 2025
In IND 312, I explored how students and faculty interact with their university environment and used those insights to design a 120,000 sq ft campus, from both the interior layouts and the exterior architecture. The project was for a University School of Architecture whose mascot is a corn stalk, and that unique symbol directly inspired my concept. I created a color palette rooted in corn yellow, contrasted with industrial tones like steel grays and muted blues and burgundy to reflect both the mascot and a modern, functional design ethos.
Ground Floor
The ground floor of the university is designed around the public life of its users, balancing social vitality and practical function. featuring an open atrium, café, paired with a merchandise shop where students and guests can browse school-branded items. A buffet-style, industrial-inspired food court invites relaxed, informal dining, perfect for students to eat, and connect. Nearby, faculty support areas provide a quiet yet collaborative place to work and meet, while a serene chapel tucked away offers a peaceful retreat for reflection. A gallery space brings in creativity, showcasing student art and campus culture, and studious nooks and communal areas are dispersed throughout for both focused study and casual gathering. Clean, accessible restrooms are thoughtfully integrated, and the overall layout emphasizes comfort and community.
Second Floor
The second floor is created as a hybrid environment that supports both public engagement and private student workflows. Featuring, a double‑height fabrication lab that features 3D printing rooms, a woodshop, and CNC machinery spaces. Nearby, a textile room provides a specialized workshop for material exploration, while dedicated work areas enhance individual and small-group project development. Faculty offices and classrooms are thoughtfully situated around this creative hub, establishing a balance between instructional and research-driven activity. The spatial organization emphasizes clarity and connectivity, offering students both inspiring, collaborative zones and quieter, focused settings.
Third Floor
The third floor is exclusively dedicated to students, incorporating a balance between creativity, focus, and community. The fabrication lab continues into a lofted, double‑height space. A fully equipped digital media center supports independent student work in film, design, and multimedia, while a library provides a quiet, resource-rich sanctuary for study. Adjacent to it, a computer lab offers workstations for research, digital design, and collaboration. Finally, a student market serves as a casual social space, where students can recharge, grab a snack, and connect between labs or study sessions. This floor is thoughtfully programmed to nurture creativity, productivity, and interpersonal engagement.
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
The Corn‑o‑Sphere is a sculptural centerpiece situated in the heart of a three‑story atrium, inspired by the university’s mascot and architectural identity. Symbolizing growth from the ground up, just like corn emerging from the soil, it is meant to evoke a shared foundation and collective rise. Within the sphere, a series of pods welcomes students to enter, sit, and interact, turning the installation into a vibrant social hub. Carefully integrated lighting adds atmosphere and dynamism, reinforcing the sense of connection and movement. More than just a sculpture, the Corn‑o‑Sphere is a functional gathering place. a space of unity, reflection, and community!
RENDERINGS
ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
STUDENT MARKET
OUTDOOR AREA
DINING AREA
