Campus Commons
The State University of New York

at New Paltz

LOCATION

New Paltz, New York

CLIENT

The State University of New York at New Paltz

TYPE

Education | Student Center | Addition + Renovation

SUSTAINABILITY

Designed to LEED Silver

AWARDS

2013

Society of American Registered Architects National Design Award

2012

American Institute of Steel Construction National Award

American Council of Engineering Companies of NY Platinum Award

2011

American School & University Magazine Outstanding Design Award

AIA New Jersey Merit Award

2009

American Architecture Award/ Chicago Athenaeum

2007

AIA New Jersey Merit Award for Design & Sustainability

A steel and glass palisade inspired by the regional landscape.

The Campus Commons project at SUNY New Paltz is a steel and glass ‘winter garden’ addition to an existing 1970 student union building. The project infilled and spanned over an existing underutilized courtyard, transforming the exterior space into a vibrant interior university living room.

Inspired by the unique regional landscape of the Catskill Mountains of New York State, where this campus is located, the iconic expansion is a crystalline palisade whose form and surface recall the tectonic character of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge just beyond the site. Soon after its completion, the University redesigned its logo to feature the instantly iconic building in all its branding.

The Commons was inspired by the Shawangunk Ridge at our western horizon. It symbolizes our Hudson Valley location and our creative, forward-looking learning environment…After using this space for about a year and a half, our students’ satisfaction with their student union was voted #1 among the 27 SUNY 4-year campuses. Clearly this building has quickly edged its way into the hearts of people who use it.“

Steven G. Poskanzer

President,

SUNY New Paltz 2001-2010

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