JonesDBR worked with Kirksey on the design for the 152,000 sf renovation of the Setzer Student Center at Lamar University, which was in need of upgrades to increase and revitalize all of the existing building space for vibrant and relevant student activities.
JonesDBR provided MEP engineering services for renovation which included the replacement of MEP systems, fire alarms, and the addition of fire protection. The building is to represent the “crown jewel” on campus and serve as a recruiting tool for prospective students. Before 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 as well as an expanded kitchen. More natural light was brought in by opening up the space and incorporating more sustainable features by reusing parts of the existing structure, respecting long wearing finishes such as the terrazzo, brick and exposed concrete and increasing the energy efficiency of the building.