Experience Higher Education Dunbar Hall Western Michigan University Dunbar Hall Kalamazoo, Michigan // 78,000 SF sq. ft. Since its original construction in 1971, Dunbar Hall has been the primary hub for Western Michigan University’s College of Arts & Sciences. Now, with a complete renovation and new addition designed for flexibility, access, and modern learning, Dunbar has reclaimed its spot as a central and important structure on WMU’s campus. TowerPinkster partnered with design firm HGA on this holistic renovation and addition. Putting Learning on Display Dunbar Hall houses more than a dozen academic programs with more than 17,000 students passing through its doors each year. The idea of putting ‘learning on display’ can be seen throughout the building. Clear views into the Media Studio and Dance Studio allow visibility into different majors and showcase student creativity and expertise. The Media Suite features top-of-the-line broadcasting, podcasting, and journalism equipment. In line with WMU’s vision to improve the image of the buildings facing Stadium Drive, an 11,000-square-foot glass addition was designed with a top-floor state-of-the-art dance studio. Wayfinding + Furniture Selection Wayfinding was a key driver for this project. With various entrances on multiple levels of the building, Dunbar Hall was notorious for being difficult to navigate. To assist with wayfinding, our interior design team decided to use color as a way to help users better understand their location within the building. Finishes and furniture were chosen in specific color palettes including WMU Gold at the main entrance, green below grade to inspire a sense of nature, and others. The furniture selection process was done in collaboration with students and the campus at large. Furniture is highly flexible and allows students and faculty to choose what works best for them on any given day. Designing for Sustainability New MEP systems throughout the renovation, including a new, high-efficiency chilled beam system, have achieved energy and water efficiency, and innovative features such as green roofs and glass designed to deter bird strikes were included. The existing building envelope was analyzed to determine how to improve the energy performance of the building. A key factor in this study was the improvement of the R-value (thermal insulation) of the building enclosure to maximize energy efficiency and harness the natural resources of sunlight and wind to our advantage. Our Building Science team is currently seeking LEED Gold certification for this project.
