This two-phased campus interior renovation updated the aesthetic and function of the student-faculty commons and student service center, converted underutilized spaces into faculty offices and a SCALE-UP science lab and multipurpose room. In addition, the old entry was transformed into a welcoming lobby with a conference/community room, and all corridor finishes were upgraded.
This campus interior renovation is part of a multi-phase project to enhance the programs, services, and aesthetics that Southwestern Michigan College desires in order to effectively provide a quality educational experience to students at the Niles Area Campus. The first phase focuses on the areas that have the greatest initial impact toward achieving these goals. A large common area is central to the plan of the building, which was renovated into a more inviting and functional space for students to gather, study, and meet with faculty, and includes a vending café. The faculty offices were relocated next to the commons with a glass storefront to provide visibility and promote interaction between the students and faculty.
Science programs are essential at this campus, so two adjoining rooms with a movable partition were converted into flexible labs, complete with casework, sinks, display cases, tables with power, and multiple projector screens. The adjacent Student Service Center and Learning Center were also updated with new finishes.
Key Features
- Student-faculty commons
- Vending café
- Flexible science labs
- Faculty offices
- Updated finishes, furniture, and energy-efficient lighting
- Work completed during the summer break
