Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

Pullman, Washington

Firm

GGLO

Client

Washington State University

Area

14,960 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$11,257,448

Completion Date

07/2017

The vision of Washington State University’s beloved late president, Dr. Elson S. Floyd, was a “Celebration of Diversity” at the front door of campus and a place where “everybody is welcome, where everybody is excited to get to know somebody else, and where everybody can be their best selves.” The program called for a cultural center and hub for the university’s Diversity Education programs, visitor orientation, and special cultural events.
The long, narrow site—formerly an overflow parking lot and RV parking for football game days—sits above monument signage signaling the entrance to campus. The university wanted the building to provide an iconic entrance to the campus, but it was important that the building not try to conquer the land, but fit seamlessly into it.