Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s city campus near the Nebraska Union, this project introduces a dynamic student learning center designed to serve both academic and recreational purposes. Positioned within one of two open quads, divided by a high-traffic pedestrian pathway, the building enhances campus connectivity while distinguishing the quads in a meaningful way. Its location and form are responsive to the campus context, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding architecture while making a bold, yet respectful, statement.

The design features intersecting boxes of varying scales and elevations, which add visual interest and create a dynamic interaction between space and form. Two of these sections are elevated, reducing the "fishbowl effect" and allowing natural light to flood the interior, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere. This carefully considered elevation also provides shade and shelter for students and pedestrians traversing the busy campus route, making the building both functional and inviting.

With its refined massing, the building possesses a monolithic quality that connects it to the campus’s historic structures. The use of solid, well-defined volumes evokes the strength and permanence seen in other historically designed college buildings, while the modern intersecting forms introduce a progressive contrast. This monolithic characteristic aligns the new structure with the heritage of academic architecture on campus, ensuring that it resonates with the campus’s overall architectural language while adding a contemporary twist.

Rooted in the study of historical and innovative learning environments, the design integrates research-driven principles to create versatile and adaptive spaces. By drawing from the rich legacy of educational spaces and evolving learning methodologies, the center offers an engaging environment that encourages students to study, collaborate, and relax. This results in a dynamic academic and social experience, fostering connections within the campus community. The thoughtful interplay between the building's massing, historical reference, and modern use creates a setting that is both timeless and forward-thinking.