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Smiling faces engaged in casual conversations, lively theoretical discussions, and students quietly working on assignments fill common areas throughout our campuses. These spaces are an important part of university life. They facilitate learning after classes end and offer a place to build relationships outside of the classroom. As the university grows, these spaces should evolve to meet the changing needs of our students. 

51�ԹϺ��� has a wide range of buildings that serve various purposes, including those built in the 1950s and brand new state-of-the-art facilities. Recently, representatives from Greenspun Hall, Flora Dungan Humanities (FDH), and the Student Services Center — buildings of various ages and purposes — partnered with Planning & Construction’s interior design team to transform their common areas into welcoming gathering places for students.   

“Our goal is to design comfortable spaces that students want to spend time in,” said Planning & Construction Senior Project Manager Nichole Staker. We’ve found that even small changes can make a big difference.”

Here’s a before-and-after look at these recent refreshes.

Greenspun College of Urban Affairs (GUA)

To promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the lobby furniture at GUA was removed and discarded because it was worn.

With the pandemic behind us, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Dean Robert Ulmer was eager to bring back a pre-pandemic culture where students studied and chatted with friends in between classes. He turned to Planning & Construction’s team of interior designers for help.

After sharing his vision of bringing the building to life, the team crafted a plan to add a mix of quiet study nooks and flexible seating that can be rearranged to accommodate events. They worked with the existing desert-inspired color palette and added soft textures and faux plants to create a warm, welcoming space. 

“Our new space gives students an opportunity to connect and it is perfect for collaboration and relationship building," said Ulmer.

Flora Dungan Humanities (FDH)

FDH, home to 51�ԹϺ���’s administrative offices, auditoriums, classrooms, and lecture halls, is one of the most highly visited buildings on campus. With heavy foot traffic, it’s imperative that its lobby makes a positive first impression. 

The lobby's furniture, original to the building, showed visible wear. To keep costs down, Planning & Construction preserved the furniture's existing framework and reupholstered the cushions with contract-grade fabric, built to withstand the demands of campus users, in a color palette that showcases 51�ԹϺ���'s signature colors of red and gray. While the layout and amount of furniture stayed the same, the space now feels completely refreshed, with new life and a sense of Rebel pride.

Student Services Complex (SSC) - Building A 

When patrons entered the lobby of SSC A, they were once greeted by a large reception desk. The problem? The desk had been unused for years. To make matters worse, there was so little seating that staff had to bring outdoor benches inside just to provide a place for people to sit.

The SSC team collaborated with Planning & Construction’s Interior Design team to redesign the space. They removed the reception desk and replaced it with comfortable, contract grade sofas and seating areas where students can wait for appointments, study between classes, or just stay awhile with friends. The welcoming furniture invites people into a building that was once seen as a transactional space, transforming it into a vibrant hub of activity.

“People used to just pass through the lobby,” said University Registrar Sam Fugazotto. “Now, it’s a destination for students who need to get work done between classes — even if they don’t have an appointment in the building. The refresh has truly brought our building to life.”

“Common areas help create a sense of community,” said Staker. “They give us places to relax, participate in activities, and get to know one another. By keeping these spaces fresh and inviting, our goal is to provide places where our students make lasting memories and feel a deeper connection to 51�ԹϺ���.” 

Ready for a Refresh?

To assess whether your building’s common areas could use a refresh, consider how the space is being used. If certain areas are often empty, it might be time for a reassessment.

Departments can work with Planning & Construction’s interior design team to discuss their specific requirements and budget and determine whether a refresh is appropriate for their space. Upon approval, a dedicated project manager will be assigned to oversee the project, guiding the department through each phase of the process. This includes conducting a walkthrough of the space and discussing design goals. The project manager will present a range of furniture plans, fabrics, materials, and color palettes for consideration. All selections will be aligned with 51�ԹϺ���’s brand identity and adhere to health and safety standards, including relevant warranties and fire ratings. Department representatives are also encouraged to share their ideas to ensure the end result meets their expectations.

To get started on your refresh, submit a work order through the .