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Rowenhorst Student Center
Northwestern College’s Rowenhorst Student Center Northwestern College’s Rowenhorst Student Center began life as a factory. In the late 70’s it was converted to a student center. It had unique, high quality materials and for a time was widely utilized. In a 21st century where video games have more appeal than pool tables, where the student center big screen is replaced by plasma screens and personal computers, the building became highly underutilized. The low ceilings, circuitous paths, and dark colors exasperated a now largely vacant and lifeless building. No accurate drawings of the existing factory existed. While planning a renovation much of the structure was concealed. The college’s decision to do a major renovation to a seemingly hopeless envelope reflects a great choice to renovate rather than re-build. Inside all 44,000 s.f. was entirely re-constructed. A simple, straight, clerestory lit spine was cut through the roof and the core of the building. All spaces inside were reorganized and new functions generated more student traffic were integrated. The building has become the antithesis of its former self. Once low, dark, circuitous, and lifeless, it is now voluminous, filled with light and student activity. The clerestory light not only fills the voluminous lobby circulation spine, bordering spaces on each side of the mallway are lined with glazing. The light and life of this building i intended to connect and transcend the maximum number of spaces possible. Innovative daylight harvesting technology is used to supplement the natural light in an environmentally friendly way. The circulation spine serves as a lobby, study space, display space, and even an event space. Community events are held in the space. The highly visible café is popular with community members. The building facilitates the interaction and integrating of the community and college. The college culture includes international students. Over 20 countries of current students are represented by flags in the lobby circulation spine. The college’s and community’s culture includes a great pride in athletic achievement and tradition. The café is in fact a contemporary sports café filled with nostalgia and references to the college’s athletic success and history. This source of pride is a unifying factor for this small community and college. Outside the facade was so anonymous, that most people drove by not knowing the building existed. The exterior solution started by creating a vibrant colorful facade with a clear entry statement. The facade was designed to include materials and colors with some of the colleges other quality buildings. The increased volume of the circulation spine gave the building a much more prominent profile and a clear point of entry. Vibrant colors including red and white metal panels (Red is Northwestern’s school color), green tinted glass, and cream colored walls replaced gray concrete and dark glass. The façade incorporates red brick associated with many other college buildings. The life of indoor activity was brought out to the street with an outdoor dining patio for the café. This renovation not only resulted in a dramatic transformation of light and life, it was a sustainable solution reducing the demolition and replacement of a building now suitable for a long future. Project Description:
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