University of Southern Indiana

The University Center, located in the heart of campus, added much needed space at USI for student organizations, student commons areas and lounges, two additional eateries, meeting and conference facilities, and office space. To make this expansion possible, the former library was renovated to create UC East, a multi-story building link between UC East and UC West was added, and a 97-foot-tall conical tower was designed between the East and West wings.

Distinguished by its local use of building materials, Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture designed the exterior of this facility using limestone from a local quarry. They also added glass curtain walls to connect students with the activity surrounding them on campus. Throughout, the space incorporates quiet alcoves as well as large areas for group collaboration. Hafer’s role in this project was to design the MEP systems and make them more energy efficient and maintainable. Occupancy sensor control lighting, carbon dioxide sensors, low water consumption of plumbing fixtures, and zero CFC’s within the HVAC systems help make this possible.

At any given time of the day, students can be seen getting a quick bite to eat before class, hanging out with friends, studying or collaborating together on a group project. This new building will serve the campus for many years to come.