Architect: Architecture Operations D.P.C.
Project Location: Durham, NC
Project Completion Date: August, 2015
Short Description: The Bryan Center Addition articulates the main circulation corridor of the building and the primary circulation axis of the West Union district. The entry merges improved functionality, performance and a heightened sense of transition. The elevated volume of the entry is emphasized by its responsive levels of transparent, diffusing and reflective surfaces. These surfaces together create a volume of sky in which the passage of students is manifested. Artificial light is incorporated within the vertically elevated structure to create a subtly glowing beacon announcing the twenty four hour operations of the Bryan Center.
Architect’s Statement: The Bryan Center Addition’s verticality within the horizontal massing articulates the primary circulation corridor of the building and the primary circulation axis of the West Union district. The design’s material qualities and their deployment, which include stainless steel, glass and terracotta, are intended to heighten the students’ awareness of temporal light as they enter and exit the building. The colors of the terracotta cladding interpret the neighboring stone facades while the etched and clear glass and stainless steel elements essentially embody natural light. Artificial light is incorporated within the vertically elevated structure to create a subtly glowing beacon signalling the twenty four hour operations and activity of the Bryan Center. Emerging from the district planning process, the design of the Bryan Center Addition, is the first of a sequence of additions to existing buildings in the West Union Precinct that support Duke’s desire for a sense of openness. The 1970’s Bryan Center serves as the undergraduate student services center within the West Union Precinct. The experience of light and its play in the built environment and natural landscape was used as the organizing principal for public spaces and as a wayfinding strategy for the primary circulation of the campus. The design concept, coordinated with that of the new West Campus Bridge/Pavilion, inserts light and light information into the new architecture signalling openness and accessibility. At night the additions’ transparency acts as a beacon within the larger landscape. The primary goal of organizing the buildings around light is to provide a sense of openness, clarity for primary circulation, and improve the quality of interior spaces. The entry merges improved functionality, performance and a heightened sense of transition. The entry also provides visual comfort by moderating and extending the transition across the contrasting levels of interior and exterior light. The entry was widened and a second set of vestibule doors eliminated to reduce bottle necks and improve accessibility. The volume of the entry is emphasized by its responsive levels of transparent, diffusing and reflective surfaces. These surfaces together create a volume of sky through which the contrasting passage of students is manifested. Artificial light is incorporated within the structure to create a subtly glowing beacon signalling the twenty four hour operations of the Bryan Center.
Type of Construction: Steel frame structure with glass cladding.