Wayne College receives architecture award

  • February 8, 2010
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The American Institute of Architects Toledo Chapter recently honored the University of Akron Wayne College in Orrville and The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo for the design of the new Student Life Building. The Citation Award acknowledges the building for its conscious relationship to the campus, both today and in light of future development. The first free-standing construction in 37 years, the 36,000-square-foot Student Life Building is the first step in creating a multi-building campus to enhance students’ social and academic interactions. “We are very happy with the way the new building has turned out, and we are especially pleased that it is being recognized for its design and the way in which it enhances our campus,” said Jack Kristofco, Wayne College dean. “From the very beginning of the project, we worked closely with our colleagues from The Collaborative to create just such a place. We had an excellent working relationship with them, and I am happy to see their good work acknowledged by this award.” Wayne College selected The Collaborative Inc. for the architectural, landscape architectural and interior design of the new building. In keeping with the firm’s workshop-based approach, The Collaborative Inc.’s team began working with administrators, representatives from the Akron campus and students in August 2006 to identify needs, goals and design direction. One goal of the Student Life Building was to identify it as a campus hub through future phases of development. This forethought by the design team will prevent costly renovations when the campus is ready to grow again, while keeping the focus on student centeredness. “It’s exciting that this solution will become stronger as the campus continues to grow over time,” said Michael Muse, AIA, architect and partner with The Collaborative Inc. “The thoughtful collaboration amongst the designers, administrators and end users resulted in a building uniquely tailored to serve Wayne College’s students and the greater community.” Similar to a student center on a four-year campus, the Student Life Building includes the Marketplace dining area, lounges, a student organization office, the Barnes & Noble bookstore, classrooms, the J.M. Smucker Multipurpose Room and the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Wayne College is a regional campus of The University of Akron, and offers the first two years of general bachelor’s degree courses for students who plan to complete their degrees at the Akron campus or other colleges and universities. The general education transfer program also leads to the associate of arts degree or the associate of science degree. In addition, Wayne College can prepare students for a variety of paraprofessional and technical careers in business, industry and public service by offering a range of occupational education programs. The campus is located at 1901 Smucker Road in Orrville.


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