When the University decided to relocate five departments from the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) into an existing warehouse building in downtown Syracuse, they wanted to include a student center at its focal point that would provide a vibrant new off-campus home. The design transforms the first two floors of the building into a dynamic hub of activity and includes a sprawling lounge, exhibition spaces, public lecture hall and café.

The interior is organized around two striking design elements: the Text Wall and the Image Wall. The Text Wall begins on the exterior as a display vitrine, which engages public interest in student work and acts as a billboard for the school. Constructed of computer routed MDF panels, the wall is emblazoned with phrases that convey the vision of VPA and draws visitors inside and up the stairs to the main lounge level. The Image Wall, a periodically rotating art installation, activates the lounge area with large-scale color graphics adhered to backlit acrylic panels. Fiedler Marciano worked in close collaboration with artists and graphic designers to develop the content for these two distinct features; creating a signature look for the center that matches the energy of VPA’s design programs and exudes a decided non-institutional vibe.