Design project: proposed international student center

One of the important forums for cultural exchange on the campuses of most large universities in the United States is the International Student Center (ISC). These centers pen doors to the world by promoting opportunities to reach beyond cultural and political barriers so as to foster better understanding of humans, and their cultural differences and similarities. Even though these centers serve an important function on campus, they often are housed in spaces which have been adapted for the purpose rather than being designed specifically to meet the needs of the various ISC programs. The ISC at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU) is such an example.

The purpose of this project thesis was to develop a design program and design proposal for an ISC at VPI & SU, based on user needs assessment. The plans and renderings are to be used to seek support for building a facility on campus which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the International Student Organization.

Students, both graduate and undergraduate, and the staff of the ISC were surveyed to develop a design program. A site adjacent to the Hillcrest dormitory was selected and a new ISC was designed. The proposed ISC was designed according to the user needs assessment and design program. Drawings included conceptual sketches, adjacency diagrams, detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspective views.