Kimmel Bogrette was hired to complete a feasibility study of the Kapelski Learning Commons to determine what the building lacked, what the University required and what the students wished for. After the feasibility study and schematic design phases, the University decided to continue onto construction. The designs for the renovated space focused on diverse/flexible learning environments; celebrating Widener culture; beautiful and impactful; implementable/phase-able; cost effective; and collaborative spaces.
The new Learning Commons is home to a variety of classrooms including seminar rooms, a music classroom, specialty labs for social science and psychology, large lecture auditoriums and recital hall, a new impressive entrance/atrium, and faculty/staff offices and support spaces. Collaboration and group meeting spaces include lounges and a café/coffee house. A 2-phased construction was carefully planned to ensure the building stayed open during the academic year.
