This renovation of an existing building on the Texas A&M University Main Campus transformed an old, institutional space into a cutting-edge, modern home for the Computing Services Center (CSC). As technology becomes an ever-more central facet in education, leaders of the organization wanted to make the CSC a showcase that would draw people to it, conveying a message of being open, friendly, and inviting to their users as well as providing state-of-the-art resources.
The project accomplished these goals by crafting a clean, modern design with a very open plan. Glass walls allow transparency where possible, with the use of switchable glass in select areas still providing the option of privacy when desired. Contrasting wood features with the transparency and crisp lines then bringsin both a high-end feel and a sense of warmth. Applying this wood in new and different ways creates a sense of the unexpected while the circuit board-inspired plan - with walls using both angles and curves - directs people as they move through and around the spaces. The design also integrates high-end technology, including a 36-foot-wide video wall, the latest touch screen video conferencing system, and tv-displays built into the bathroom mirrors.
The CSC’s new home also allows the Help Desk workers to get away from a purely transactional relationship with students simply dropping off devices to be repaired. The groupings of chairs, tables, and counters provide multiple options for workers and students to meet informally and talk through their technology questions or resolve issues.
Material Used :
Flooring:
Carpet, Variations 4 - Sandrift, Mannington
Carpet, Code – Agate/Ajoite Modular, Tandus Centiva
Tile, Parkland Collection – Acadia, StonePeak
Tile, Ultra Modern – Progressive Gray, American Olean
Bathroom wall tile, Fibra Linen, Arizona tile
Penny round tile, Retro Rounds Canvas Black Gloss, DalTile
Countertops: Solid Surface, Deep Mink, Glacier White, Deep Anthracite, Corian
Doors: Black oxide doors and metal panels, Forms & Surfaces
Windows: Switchable Privacy Glass, PolyVision, Polytronix Glass
TV Mirrors: Glass TV Mirror, Argyle TV, Magestic Mirrors and Frame
Interior lighting:
Curved LED Lighting, Curve Minimal, XAL
Recessed LED Liner Lighting, Lightplane 3.5, ALW
Pendant LED, Frici, Arcania Lighting
Wall Sconce LED, Light Plane Round, ALW
