Alvernia University Student Center
Reading, PA
The design and construction of the student campus center is the first step in realizing the Campus Master Plan Study which was adopted in 1996.
The 24,000 sq. ft. building was the focus of a Capital Campaign and was completed in 1999. The layout of the building takes advantage of the campus views of the nearby rolling countryside by opening the large dining room to the South East views and an expansive patio through a large curving glass wall. The building’s program includes a 250-seat dining commons, student bookstore, campus services center, “Crusader Café” lounge, recreation center, student affairs offices, student activities offices, four seminar rooms, and campus security office.
The building’s spaces are organized around a central spine that functions as an interior street linking the campus entrance and the residential and academic buildings beyond. Two glass stair towers anchor this spine and invite building users to linger to enjoy the view or read a book. The towers also respond and respect architecturally to a tower in an older Italianate building on campus.