UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ronald Tutor
CAMPUS CENTER [ los angeles, ca ]
PROJECT
University of Southern California Ronald Tutor Campus Center LOCATION
Los Angeles, CA
The Ronald Tutor Campus Center provides a dramatic and elegant space consistent with USC’s reputation as a world-class university of the 21st century. At the heart of the Campus Center is a grand outdoor plaza, a gathering and dining area that has become the heartbeat of life on campus. During peak hours, the plaza is humming with activity. Every design and programmatic element of the 193,000 sf building is devoted to fulfilling USC’s mission. Located at the heart of USC, the Campus Center is used by virtually every person who passes through the campus. The new complex connects the Gwynn Wilson Student Union and the Pertusati University Bookstore with new dining options, student life and involvement space and offices for Admissions and student organizations. The focal point of the complex is a welcoming outdoor plaza, a visually stunning gathering and dining area that will bring current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, family members and visitors in contact every day. At the core of the new complex are the student community-building, development and programming spaces in which students from around the world learn, work and socialize together. As the University’s “town hall”, the center provides meeting rooms and offices for student programs and organizations, entertainment facilities, dining and retail locations, conference rooms, a multi-purpose room and open spaces where members of the USC community can study, read, relax or socialize. Spaces such as the Ballroom, Tommy’s Place, Traditions, and the Plaza were designed to facilitate a variety of campus signature events including commencement, homecoming, game-day gatherings, concerts, and programs that host groups from 6 to 1,000 people. Additional spaces that enhance student learning and build community include Loggias with built-in seating, lounges with collaborative work spaces, and a Student Forum. Center also houses the Trojan Family Room in the main entry, a warm and inviting space with a fireplace and soaring beamed ceilings that serves as a greeting area and dramatic introduction to the facility and campus. The Alumni Center is a home away from home for Trojan alumni. The Admission Center provides a place for prospective students and parents to become acquainted with the University through tours and orientation in the Admission Theater. Through the involvement of Hospitality, a variety of popular food venues was conceived, including a traditional food court with exterior take-out windows; cafe offering healthier cuisine, fine dining restaurant; and deli featuring multiple food stations. The Campus Center has transformed USC by uniting the Trojan Family and giving the Trojan Spirit a place to thrive.
Details
D E TA I L S Collegiate Romanesque details – repetition, lunettes, arches, tower elements, window fenestrations are consistent with neighboring buildings in the campus core. The exterior materials consist primarily of brick, cast stone, and glass. The University and AC Martin worked with a sculptor, Ramon Velazco, to create themed sculptured arches of cast stone to mark the main entrance of the complex. (Shown at left.)
Details
CAMPUS STREET GRID BEFORE THE RONALD TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER
CROSSROADS PEDESTRIAN GRID AFTER THE RONALD TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER
BUILDING ENTRANCES AND PASSAGEWAYS CREATED BY THE RONALD TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER
Ground Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
Basement Floor Plan
Study Niches in the Trojan Family Room
Entry Lobby
Food Court
Moreton Fig Restaurant
Trojan Family Room Towards Lobby
Outdoor Dining
Oculus Above Trojan Family Room
university of southern california
RONALD TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER Client Size Completion Location Key Points
University of Southern California 193,000 SF 2010 Los Angeles, CA • Provides a dramatic and elegant space consistent with USC’s reputation as a world-class university. • Used by virtually every person who passes through the campus—every current and prospective student, staff, visitor, and USC’s nearly 200,000 alumni. • Serves as the University’s “town hall”, providing meeting rooms and offices for student programs and organizations, lounges, entertainment facilities, dining and retail locations, conference rooms, a multi-purpose room and open spaces • Includes a variety of popular food venues such as a traditional food court with exterior take-out windows; a cafe offering healthier cuisine; a fine dining restaurant; and a deli featuring multiple food stations. • At the main entry is the Trojan Family Room, a warm and inviting space with a fireplace and soaring beamed ceilings, which serves as a greeting area and dramatic introduction to the facility and campus. • Has transformed USC by uniting the Trojan Family and giving the ‘Trojan Spirit’ a place to thrive. • LEED Gold Certified