Westgate Student Academic Services Center, Penn State University - University Park, PA

Project Completion: 2018

Project Highlights: 

• Hoffman Leakey conducted a feasibility study to determine how to better allocate space among 8 different departments to improve the suite’s function and create a more welcoming feel for staff, students, and industry partners.

• Our team held a series of programming charrettes with a 26-member building committee to collectively determine the needs and best locations of departments and personnel.

• The resulting design plan uses the available space more efficiently while accomplishing the group’s goals of promoting greater collaboration among departments and reducing “wandering students.”

• The suite entrance was relocated to the center of the space to create a new reception area that better directs students and visitors to the services they need.

• Open offices along the windows bring more daylight to the interior and encourage interaction among staff.

• Enclosed offices requiring privacy are located in the rear of the suite.

• Color was used to define and energize the space.

• Restrooms now have a residential feel.

• New lighting fixtures and finishes create a modern, inviting workplace.