Harrisburg Area Community College, Bruce E. Cooper Student Center
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the oldest and largest community college in the Commonwealth. Its antiquated 50-year-old student center was re-envisioned to serve the 21st-century commuter student. Renovation challenges included enlarging the center economically, modernizing the building and its technology, and combining multiple student services previously scattered across campus.
The patio and balcony were enclosed, increasing square footage, but not the footprint. A high-performance curtainwall system visually connects to the campus while bathing the interiors with natural light. Internal barriers were removed to create a flexible and vibrant open floorplan.
Multiple living-room spaces were created with dynamic furniture, materials, and lighting. The architect designed a seven-foot tiered gas fireplace as a signature feature to encourage student collaboration and socialization.
The technology-focused Student Center is now an energetic basecamp for the community college, nurturing serendipitous interactions among students, faculty, staff, and visitors. A new Welcome Center, learning commons, updated food venues, multiple student services, small group spaces, club offices, and classrooms are dedicated to cultivating integration and overall student success.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
Whitney, Bailey, Cox & Magnani (Structural), Reynolds Solutions (Electrical/Plumbing Engineer), Integrated Engineering Solutions, Inc. (Mechanical Engineer), Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates Inc. (Facade Specialist), Clark Food Service Equipment (Food Consultant), Eastern PCM, LLC (Owners Representative), Premier Construction Group (General Contractor)
Cost per Sq Ft
$136.00
Featured in
2019 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Student Centers/Service Areas
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