Davis-Harrington Welcome Center / Dake | Wells Architecture

Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Interior Photography, HandrailDavis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Interior PhotographyDavis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Exterior Photography, FacadeDavis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Exterior PhotographyDavis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - More Images+ 10

Springfield, United States
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  13000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2015
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Swisspearl, Ameripolish, Armstrong Ceilings, Armstrong Flooring, Carlisle SynTec, Crossville, Otis, Pella EFCO, TriStar Glass Products
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Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Exterior Photography
Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture
Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Image 14 of 15
Sketch

Text description provided by the architects. In the highly competitive world of higher education, first impressions are critical. Building on the strength of Missouri State University’s long history and brand image, this new 13,000 square foot facility serves as the institutions “front door”, welcoming visitors to the campus at its primary entrance. In addition to providing a point of origin for campus visits, the two story lobby and 100 seat presentation room provide a multi-purpose venue for special events such as press conferences, distinguished guests and networking events. Tasked by the University with providing a “signature piece of architecture”, the design solution is both economical and monumental. Originally founded in 1905 as a teacher’s college, Missouri State University now carries the Public Affairs mission in higher education for the state.

Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Exterior Photography, Facade
Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture

The building program is arranged in a two-story scheme, placing administrative functions on an upper level in order to increase the building’s visual presence as it reinforces the campus edge. The scheme considers a future expansion that will relocate existing admissions and registration services to this location, providing a one-stop-shop for new applicants.

Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Image 13 of 15
Plan
Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Image 10 of 15
Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture

The building enclosure is derived from the surrounding campus context combined with an interpretive reading of the institution’s history and mission. Limestone provides a durable and contextual surface at the ground, increasing in transparency to the north toward the entrance. Two white planes are elevated above the base defining the east and west facades, almost paper thin. A two-story curtain wall angled toward the campus entrance serves as a gesture to welcome visitors and increase the building’s transparency. The west plane extends slightly beyond the pointed corner of the building signifying the main entry point to the building and folds slightly away as if dog-earring a page for future reference. Circular perforations derived from the pattern of a composition booklet provides added shade on the west facade and dappled light in the lobby interior. A wall of slate recalling the classroom chalkboard provides the backdrop to the building’s entrance and defines a generous reception desk for student greeters, with a twenty foot maroon and white bear suspended from the structure.

Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Interior Photography
Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture

Visitors can experience the University through interactive displays on their own, or participate in a guided tour that begins in the lobby, moves to the presentation, then through the linear gallery and out onto campus. Recognizing the capacity of architecture to both engage and inspire, Missouri State University is strengthening its position in the higher education market while staying true to its mission to educate citizen scholars.

Davis-Harrington Welcome Center  / Dake | Wells Architecture - Interior Photography
Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture

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Project location

Address:Springfield, MO, USA

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Davis-Harrington Welcome Center / Dake | Wells Architecture" 14 Jun 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/789413/davis-harrington-welcome-center-dake-wells-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Dake Wells Architecture

美国戴维斯·海灵顿欢迎中心 / Dake Wells Architecture

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