The Center was designed to be a safe, inviting, and modern addition to a campus traditionally influenced by Georgian architecture. Selected for its peaceful, oasis-like setting, it is centrally placed on the campus where students pass the facility multiple times each day and adjacent to a protected natural woodland along the scenic Crim Dell. Carefully integrated with the site, the design celebrates the surrounding natural landscape while incorporating natural stone and a variation of the campus’ brick vernacular pattern to complement neighboring buildings and pay homage to the College’s traditions.

Along with the building’s architectural character and massing, the landscape design was also developed in response to the natural setting and the overall result is welcoming and non-institutional. The scale of the building and thoughtful placement and size of windows was paramount to creating a welcoming presence. In key areas along the south façade, large floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views to nature and allow abundant daylight to enter the spaces. The design team incorporated biophilic elements throughout the interior with strategic use of natural patterned fabrics, stone, wood, and a large water feature along the main wall of the lobby.

The team chose an interior color palette of soothing earth tones to reinforce the Center’s connection to nature and to contribute to the calm, restorative environment.