Iowa State Multicultural Center
HLKB Architecture
Recognitions:
2010 Design Awards
Project Description
The mission of this project is to design educational programs for a major state university and surrounding community to foster understanding and appreciation of varied cultural histories and differences for all members of the community.
The project is a gut remodel within the university Beaux-Arts memorial union. The location of this project within the memorial union builds upon, and contributes to, that structure's cultural position as a social, recreational, and educational center for the university. Programmatically, the project consists of a reception and display area, central lounge, flexible meeting spaces, a library/study, kitchen, shared office and work spaces, and counseling areas.
The university and its staff sought a comfortable and welcoming environment to foster a sense of community between students, staff, and faculty of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.