West Coast University (WCU) relocated their existing Dallas campus to nearby Richardson for its healthy, friendly atmosphere and to provide students with a safer campus they can call their own. WCU partnered with HRNCIR to transform a three-story commercial office building into an activated learning ecosystem that provides a connected campus experience that encourages students to flourish. Aiming to improve students’ performance by enabling more time spent on campus, the design team at Gensler crafted an amenity-rich campus infused with a sense of wonder and discovery. With the quality of the space of utmost importance, the team opened up a three-story atrium at the main entrance, installing a signature interconnected stair to encourage visibility, collaboration space, curiosity, healthy movement, and social collision. The first floor focuses on the student tour experience, beginning with a bright, open reception and admission space, and ending with career services to symbolize the complete journey at WCU. A custom EKG wave on the reception desk, a natural material palette with anti-bacterial copper-like metals and Texas limestone, and a striking three-story green wall enhance the bright, biophilic atmosphere and reinforce the scientific values and health and wellness focus of the school.
