The New University Center by New York based SOM

The new University Center is an artistic academic institution. It’s located in Greenwich Village. This new building was designed by New York based SOM. The project adds over 365,00sqf for academic and public programs, a new library and a 600+ student dormitory. Besides that, the project will create a major campus hub at 65th Fifth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets.

The building has been designed to complement its eclectic surroundings. It gives the university a signature architectural presence that respects the massing and scale of neighboring buildings. The architect of this building focused on fostering a seamless interaction of the building’s circulation and learning spaces, mindful of the ways students, faculty and the community intersect.

The main circulation of this building is pulled to the exterior face. It allows the movement through the building to be seen from the street.  It can create a nice juxtaposition of city goers’ circulation coupled next to the students’ movements within the center. This building also has several eco-friendly techniques such as state-of-the-art energy, water, and waste efficiencies and maximized daylight harvesting through clerestory windows and light shelves in classrooms.