Southern University Shreveport Student Center
Because the needs of the student population at Southern University Shreveport had outgrown their student union facility, KSA was secured to design improvements. The project involved the renovation and expansion of the student center area that serves as something of a gateway to the campus. The existing student center was renovated into a bookstore, meeting room and 7,800 square feet of office space. 8,500 square feet of new construction was added to make-up a dining and serving area, food preparation space and a student life area. The space was enhanced with stained concrete floors, ceramic tile, large, trapezoid steel framed accent structures mounted at the building’s support columns and aluminum storefront walls.
The student activity center also serves as an expanded food court for the campus. The dining area has a food court concept with two vendors. It was planned for 250 students and includes an outdoor dining area large enough to accommodate 100 additional bodies. This outdoor space overlooks the center of campus and provides the ideal mingling area for students. The student center is located near the middle of campus on a main pedestrian path that leads to the student parking lot. Its exterior used new materials to blend with the existing campus design, while also providing alluring, colorful elements. The changes made to the campus gave it an open, active and inviting character.