The primary goal of the project was to create a heart to the University providing a unique and iconic facility positioned at a campus crossroads bringing together students, faculty and community for informal and formal interaction and collaboration. From this larger context, the team developed a planning concept that provide entry points on each side to the building, creating an inviting, open, and transparent design (there is not “back of the building”) which specifically relates to the natural student paths across campus and site-specific context given the challenging site and close proximity to existing adjacent buildings. Within the building, open pathways connect the diverse program both physically and visually. The building program consolidates University needs; the northern wing of the facility was designed to enhance student engagement, organizations, and student government. The professional student office and organization workspaces occupy the ground level of the facility allowing for greater collaboration. The second level is home to several student engagement entities including the Mather Women’s Center and the Inamori Center for Ethics, who provide support, education and events for students and the public. Throughout the building, informal group study spaces are dispersed among large and small conference rooms, a 450 seat multi-purpose room and an open informal food service area which balance the more formal program elements.