MTC Student Cafe

Midlands Technical College

Completion Date
Fall 2005

Project Budget
$250,000

The need for more student centered lounging space resulted in this concept to convert the existing dining space on the Airport Campus into a “cyber cafe” lounge- a fun, technology oriented space that is student centered. A recent study of habits confirms vendor style accommodations are preferred over traditional cafeteria fare because of expediency and cost. This concept addresses these issues with furnishings that are comfortable, casual, and varied to meet the needs of diners, laptop users, and small study groups. The finishes are durable, and the layout is designed to create smaller nodes within the larger cafeteria shell. Ample technology infrastructure is provided to address the modern student’s needs.

Showcase Project

Lib Jackson Student Center Annex

This project is a two-phase renovation and expansion of the Lib Jackson Student Center. Phase 1 of the project consists of an approximately 40,000 sf addition primarily to the south and west of the existing building with Phase 2 anticipated to be of a similar size positioned to the east. The project is designed to expand student services and provide support for individuals, groups and student organizations. The program spaces facilitate social interaction, recreation, administration and meeting rooms, and features a 250-seat theatre.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”