The newly transformed Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center at Syracuse University opened in early 2021. Entro collaborated with architects Ashley McGraw, Mackey Mitchell and branding consultant Jack Porter to ensure the improved space became the “living room of the campus,” a comfortable environment for students to gather, eat, study, and socialize.
The design team prioritized the principles of universal design and student-centred design to create a space that celebrates the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of Syracuse University.
The 108,000-square-foot renovation of the original 3-level building, which dates back to 1985, resulted in an open central atrium, a transformed dining experience, event spaces, lounges, meeting rooms, a campus store, and partial recladding of the exterior façade for transparency and connection to the Einhorn family walk.
Entro developed the identification, donor recognition, and wayfinding signage for these varied spaces, among them the co-location of the University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Disability Cultural Center, and the LGBTQ Resource Center in a new Intercultural Collective space.
Syracuse University is proud of being Orange, and this was a key design concept used to connect the diverse spaces and student services. The vibrant, bold colours of the interior palette and wayfinding signage are playful and energetic, welcoming students and inspiring school spirit.
Further, the wayfinding program integrates with the architectural and interior design of the Schine Student Center to deliver what Syracuse University students wanted: an environment that is authentic, inviting, connective, and varied.
The original Schine Student Center posed challenges in terms of circulation, hard-to-find spaces, and limited accommodation for people of varying abilities. Architecturally, the central atrium was opened to welcome more natural light – a feature that draws people in and supports intuitive wayfinding. This central hub features large-scale ceiling graphics, visible from every floor, pointing the way to key destinations. Braille and tactile signs are adhered to the circular handrail and correspond with the ceiling directional signage.
Hard-to-understand alphabetical floor numbering was replaced by large, numeric level indicators accompanied by clear directories. Whenever possible, playful pictograms are used instead of written messages to engage the youthful audience.
Graffiti art by former students was maintained, and new commissions have been added to the stairwells, evoking a feeling of continuity, character, and creativity, in homage to the past and the diversity of the student population.
Take a virtual tour of the Schine Student Center here, or read more about the architectural approach from Ashley McGraw.