work begins on kent state's design loft by weiss / manfredi

work begins on kent state’s design loft by weiss / manfredi
all images courtesy of weiss / manfredi

construction is underway in northeast ohio at the site of kent state university‘s new center for architecture and environmental design. developed by new york-based practice weiss / manfredi, the ‘design loft’ will bring the college’s numerous functions under one roof, consolidating previously disparate programs. is is estimated that the vast 107,000 square foot project will take two years to conclude, with a targeted completion date set for 2016.

the scheme will bring the college’s numerous functions under one roof, consolidating previously disparate programs

strategically positioned between the campus and the city core, the building is envisioned as an energetic and dynamic creative hub. at ground floor level a continuous gallery opens out onto an external esplanade, while above, an ascending series of spaces offers potential for a range of events and uses. at the center of the design, studios are configured to maximize flexibility and accommodate evolving methods of education.

the building is envisioned as an energetic and dynamic creative hub

the tiered form comprises a stairway on the north façade that provides generous amphitheater steps connecting critique spaces and creating areas for spontaneous discussion. conversely, the plan’s southern elevation features a cantilevered circulation route that interweaves the building’s internal volumes with those of the surrounding campus.

at ground floor level a continuous gallery opens out onto an external esplanade

‘this building embodies scholarly thought with practical use, and, because of its strategic location between the campus and downtown kent, it provides an actual as well as a symbolic connection between these design requirements,’ explains douglas steidl, dean of kent state’s college of architecture and environmental design.

‘we would hope that a student would arrive at this building fascinated, terrified, excited and hungry, and by the time they leave know that it has been their building‘, added marion weiss, cofounder of weiss / manfredi.

the project will take two years to conclude, with a targeted completion date set for 2016