Design of Lawrence Technological University's A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center Welcomes Visitors with Open Arms, New Image.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- More Than Just a "Building," Harley Ellis Devereaux-Designed Facility Infuses Aesthetics, Convenience, Sustainability and Learning into One Welcome Opportunity

If Lawrence Technological University students need an up-close-and-personal example of classroom learning and real world application, they need only look out the window at their newly-opened A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center. The project's lead architect, Arthur F. Smith, FAIA, along with many of the 50-member Harley Ellis Devereaux team of architects and engineers involved with the project, are Lawrence Technological University graduates.

The three-story, curved expanse of glass marking the entrance to the brand new Taubman Student Services Center, dedicated April 7, gives the abstract impression of arms extended in a grand gesture of welcome.

And welcome is exactly what Smith wanted students and visitors to feel. The Harley Ellis Devereaux principal and designer saw an opportunity to create a new "front door" and a new image for the university at the academic heart of the campus. Built on the campus quadrangle, the new Taubman Student Services Center has transformed an open, barren expanse of grass and concrete into a hub of activity centered by the jewel-like structure.

Working closely with Harley Ellis Devereaux landscape architect Mark Hieber, ASLA, LEED AP, the two designers created a facility which seamlessly integrates the landscape and building into one unified composition.

Smith says of the once tree-devoid area, "The University has turned an underutilized exterior space from an area of perspiration to one of inspiration. We've created a new exterior learning environment as well as an identifiable meeting space for the LTU community."

Inside, sprawling glass walls create a naturally-lit atrium that showcases multiple levels of student activity during the day and at night becomes a glowing beacon in the heart of campus.

The three-story, 42,000 square-foot Center, constructed by Walbridge Aldinger, reflects the collaborative, cross-functional approach Lawrence Tech developed to enhance students' educational experience. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the Taubman Center combines formerly separated student support services--such as admissions, registrar, financial aid, student affairs, academic achievement, career services and alumni activities--into a "one stop" convenient location to better assist students and improve overall teamwork and cooperation among the University's various departments. The connection to the bookstore, cafeteria and other support functions within the Buell Management Building effectively creates a synergistic student union.

But this is more than just a building. It is, in effect, a teacher.

Smith explains, "From the beginning, the attitude and approach to the Center was visionary. Lawrence Tech officials realized they had an opportunity to create a building that went beyond a rudimentary enclosure. They wanted a structure that would respond to students' practical needs but then took the brave steps to give it additional purpose as an architectural 'lab' and energy efficient learning center for the benefit of student research into the built environment."

The state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly design, incorporating geothermal energy, a 10,000 square-foot green vegetated roof, under floor air distribution and the utilization of a bioswale for stormwater management makes the Taubman Student Services Center one of the first university buildings in Michigan eligible for U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) sustainable design Silver Level certification. These components, integrated within the building design, will create, in essence, a perpetual field trip: a living laboratory that will provide educational opportunities for students of architecture, interior design, engineering and construction management.

A series of clear glass panels integrated into the raised access floor gives students a view of the under-floor mechanical and electrical systems, providing additional learning opportunities.

Smith notes that the access floor design serves another purpose as well, "We know from experience that the function of a building can evolve over time, so it was important that our design be flexible. For example, the raised access floor will accommodate changes in use and building technologies. And to further enhance functionality, most interior walls were designed to be moveable to form new configurations as needed."

With a grove of Gingko trees sprinkled around the perimeter of an elliptical lawn and its numerous flower gardens, the new quadrangle, to be completed mid-summer, incorporates details such as black granite benches carved with inspirational quotes, paver bricks, a "garden of light" powered by solar panels, an earth-integrated amphitheater/classroom, and an outdoor cafe. A fountain "rock plaza," punctuated by a circle of indigenous basalt boulders from the Upper Peninsula offers a memorable outdoor view of the Taubman Center. In the middle of the plaza, a huge, polished granite boulder, cleaved in half, provides the setting for a fountain of mist illuminated by numerous LED lamps.

Each of these unique features provided donor opportunities that were eagerly embraced by Lawrence Tech alumni and friends: the entire project was funded through philanthropy.

Harley Ellis Devereaux is a full-service organization offering a complete range of planning, architecture, engineering, interior architecture, landscape architecture and construction services. The firm works extensively throughout the Midwest and southern California with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Riverside, San Diego, Cincinnati and Bakersfield. The 500-person organization also offers a series of specialty services through its partner companies: Spectrum Strategies--strategic planning, operational consulting, program management, technology and asset management; GreenWorks Studio--sustainable design and building commissioning; iQ-Investment in Quality--plan review and value engineering; Crime Lab Design--forensic facilities design; and HED Build--construction and design/build services.