JonesDBR worked with Kirksey Architecture on the design of the 152,000 sf renovation of the Setzer Student Center at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. The existing building underwent extensive rehabilitation in order to create a new “crown jewel” for the campus. The renovated facility serves as a gathering space for current students and a recruiting tool for prospective students.
JonesDBR provided MEP engineering services for the renovation which included upgrading the HVAC systems, all new LED lighting and controls, replacement of plumbing systems, the installation of a new fire alarm system, and the addition of fire protection. The MEP system upgrades were designed to exceed the latest energy code requirements and to provide ease of maintenance and operation for many years to come.
Prior to the renovation, no logical pedestrian flow had been established for the building. The renovation created a clear path for student travel, establishing collaborative gathering spaces, study nooks and points of interest such as coffee kiosks along the way.
The renovated facility incorporates a new entrance that faces the student quad as the central focal point, a new campus “living room,” multiple meeting rooms for student use, and a double-height multi-purpose room. The project also included the expansion of the kitchen and food court where many students eat. More natural light was brought in by opening up the public spaces. Sustainable design strategies included reusing parts of the existing structure, using long-lasting, low-maintenance finishes such as the terrazzo, brick, and exposed concrete, and minimizing energy consumption with a combination of envelope improvements and high-efficiency MEP systems.