The design process included coordinating between NOC and Oklahoma State University (OSU) to accommodate the two institutions’ “Gateway Program” academic partnership aimed at preparing students for campus life.
Navigating a challenging site, the design integrated a wide variety of academic functions and spaces into a highly efficient building. The diverse program includes specialized training classrooms for the nursing program, science labs, computer labs, and technology-equipped “remote classrooms” where educators can teach remotely from other campuses. In addition to academic spaces, the building also contains administration, faculty offices, registrar, and bursar offices, making this a “one-stop shop” for students.
Further alluding to NOC’s partnership with OSU, the building was designed to match OSU’s Modified Georgian vernacular architecture, including features such as GFRC dentils, masonry jack arches, cast stone columns, and custom steel railings. The use of this architecture is intended to blend NOC’s campus with OSU’s campus, helping students feel at home and get involved in campus life.