north carolina central university student center

durham, north carolina

NCCU’s vision for the new student center focuses on student success, leadership development and cultural events to build engagement and support for their students.

Located along a historical street frontage, the design presents a symbol of welcome and identity for the university. The angled and transparent architecture opens the activities and programs within to all at NCCU and the surrounding community.

A central common space reflects the social, “get loud and celebrate” culture of NCCU’s student population. Flexible spaces for events, conferencing, banquets and an auditorium scaled to accommodate the entire freshman class serve a variety of campus gatherings. A hybrid multipurpose ballroom and theater will host a variety of performances and events. Open greenspaces and plazas will merge outdoor and interior activities. The design’s combination of flexible, fluid spaces with mobile/adaptable furnishings and program-specific spaces promotes an impromptu merger of student activities and an enhanced sense of belonging to a campus culture for new students.

The design and function of the new center promises to redefine the student experience at NC Central University for generations, bringing together the campus community and furthering NCCU’s strong tradition of teaching, research and service.