Boston University – Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground with NBBJ

Apr 26

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee

Boston University’s Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground transforms a historic landmark at a major urban and university gateway into a new hub for students to build an inclusive community that breaks down barriers of divisiveness through programming and meaningful human connections. The university chose to elevate the program to a more prominent campus location along Commonwealth Avenue to reactivate existing campus real estate while providing the center with a strong presence that brings more visibility to its activities and mission.

Photo Cred: Tracy Shankle, Shanklevision

Focusing on Thurman’s principles of equity and inclusivity, the project carves out a new arcade entry, signified by a BU red canopy, making it highly identifiable and an accessible front door at an important campus node. The ground floor was re-imagined to be an extension of the outdoor campus and utilizes lighting as a wayfinding device to connect important campus landmarks including the intersection of the BU Bridge through to the Booth Theater. The clarified circulation path creates a long, uninterrupted corridor and with it the opportunity to be activated as a gallery for the Howard Thurman Center and the various art programs that are located within the building.

The first floor of the Center occupies a former Cadillac showroom, originally designed by Albert Kahn in 1927, with Art Deco details that signify the luxury of its time: gilded, geometric coffered ceilings, terrazzo flooring and floor-to-ceiling bronze windows. The design team inserted the Center into this space, respecting the original architectural elements and reducing embodied carbon, while creating a modern environment reflective of Dr. Thurman’s philosophy of self-exploration and community building.

Inside, a variety of meeting, event, and lounge spaces support the Center’s range of programs and provide informal and formal opportunities for conversation – providing open invitations to join conversations with furniture groupings of three or more. Staff offices are dispersed throughout, allowing for increased student-staff interactions and visibility throughout the Center. The meditation room offers a respite for students to decompress and reflect. The new staircase at the heart of the Center plays the multi-faceted role of vertical circulation, performance space, casual gathering, and library. The Gathering Room encourages students and staff to share culinary treats from various cultures around a custom-shaped dining table that has no “head of the table” allowing all to have an equal voice in the conversation. Custom artwork, like a CNC-routed homage to Thurman at the Center’s entry, are integrated throughout the design to embed his philosophy within the space.

Collectively, these features create an inviting and energizing environment for students to further the important mission of the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground.

Collaborators:

• Walsh Brothers
• Acentech
• The Green Engineer Inc
• LAM Partners Inc
• RFS Engineering
• Mark Richey Woodworking
• Creative Office Resources (formerly Office Resources)
• Red Thread
• The Vertex Companies, Inc

Company Name: Mantra Inspired Furniture

Company Establishment Date: 2018

Company Description: Mantra Inspired Furniture is a commercial-grade, solid American hardwood furniture company that revolves around three core principles: Sustainability, American Craftmanship, and Investment-grade Furniture.

Company Mission Statement: Mantra Inspired Furniture is driven by a simple code to propel the design community's imagination through the creation of sustainable, American made, investment grade furniture. Our designs aim to inspire the user through functional style and modern sensibilities with a commitment as solid as the wood used in every piece we create.

Company Products / Services: Mantra Inspired Furniture is driven by a simple code: to propel imagination within the design community through sustainable, American-made, investment-grade furniture. The core products in our line are solid hardwood casegoods, tables, storage, custom conference tables and ancillary tables. Our mission is to inspire users while honoring craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

What is the best part of being an IIDA NE Chapter Sponsor?: The best part of being an IIDA New England Chapter sponsor is the opportunity to support and engage with a vibrant community of design professionals while gaining visibility and networking opportunities within our industry.