Texas A&M University
Commons Building Renovations and Additions
Details
Commons Building Renovations and Additions
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
90,000 sf
Description
Constructed in 1971, the Commons is a student services building and dining hall serving a complex of four interconnected residence halls as well as the south side of the campus. In 2011, BGKA completed a comprehensive feasibility study and was selected a few years later to complete the transformation of the Commons into a state-of-the-art facility.
Due to low floor-to-floor heights, lay-in ceilings, and a lack of natural light, the space felt dark and cramped. The design solution moved MEP systems to a penthouse—which became an architectural feature of the exterior—to increase the height and open the space. New openings cut into the floor allow natural light from a large skylight system to reach both floors of the facility.
The new plan creates connectivity of the space and eases wayfinding throughout the building. With natural light, fresh materials, and an energetic palette, the updated space was transformed into a bright, modern, and functional building for students to study, socialize, dine, and connect. Featuring a dining hall, social areas, study lounges, computer labs, tutoring rooms, meeting rooms, and offices, the renovated space provides clarity and identity to each of the multiple users that it serves. Through effective project management and problem solving, the Commons project was completed on time and on budget for the 2017 fall semester.