The addition and renovation of the Salisbury University Academic Commons (SUAC) building is being delivered as a Design Build Project. The final program area is 235,000 GSF with 2,435 total study seats (including assembly hall space for 400), satisfying 22% of SU’s FTE students. The facility houses the following:
At the groundbreaking, State Senator Conway, an SU education alumnus, said the construction represented a tribute to the past while looking toward the future. The academic facility will be the largest academic building in SU history, and the home for the sorely needed new library. Completed in mid 2016, the Academic Commons is located on the site of the former Caruthers Hall, built in 1953 to house the campus’ demonstration school.
This reconfiguration of University classroom, research and study space will change the campus dynamics by unifying support programs under one roof and encouraging collaboration. The objectives for the program are to create a new student-centered hub for academic discovery, to enhance Red Square as part of the overall Campus Plan, and to represent the values and mission of Salisbury University. This building was designed to be certified as LEED Gold.
KPN Architects was involved in the production of Construction Documents and provided architectural support to the design team throughout all phases of the project. KPN Architects created, developed and coordinated the construction documents for all approved FF&E design recommendations and selections.
KPN Architects is also responsible for creating wayfinding graphics and signage options for the entire facility, identifying and recommending available signage systems, addressing code issues and the preparation of Signage Bid Documents.
The KPN Team also served as a liaison between the University and other furniture vendors to facilitate pricing, determine availability of special, customized items and acquire the necessary information. The KPN Design Team also created and maintained a spreadsheet documenting the manufacturer, availability and pricing of over 10,000 items of equipment and furniture that would be purchased by the University and installed within the new facility. KPN helped to select all finishes, furniture, fixtures and artwork to help tie together a complete design.
