MTSU Cope West Wing Office Renovation

The Information Technology department at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) relocated from a basement office suite to a renovated area within the existing Cope Administration Building. GTG was brought on to help redesign the new space and provide an efficient, bright work environment.

GTG included open workstations in this renovation, with provisions for acoustical privacy, such as drop pendants and semi-private workstations, to help solve the noise concerns inherent with open floor plans. A central conference room with glazes glass on two-sides allows ambient daylight to filter through the suite and corridor. Before the renovation, the only lighting was through installed fixtures. Today, the corridor is supplemented by natural daylight which creates a brighter and more pleasant space. The suite includes a collaboration area with flexible furniture and a cafe with light refreshments, both serving as alternatives to traditional meeting spaces.

The IT department was previously tucked away in the basement of the Cope Building with no connection to the exterior or the rest of the building occupants. This new office suite’s entrance features transparent glass doors and window graphics to provide a branded and welcoming entrance. The design team used historical images of the MTSU campus to compliment finishes and colors within the space.

All non-load bearing materials and structures were demolished, exposing the existing exterior ribbon windows and poured-in-place concrete roof structure. The design team kept the original windows as a design feature, allowing an exterior view and southern exposure daylight. The concrete roof structure was painted a reflective white so that indirect light could diffuse throughout the suite.

Careful placement and layering of materials provide visual cues of the division of public and private spaces within the suite. Neutral colors are used as a backdrop on all permanent surfaces and bright accent colors were used for furniture and lighting. This concept allows for relatively simple updates when future trends and space needs change. Close coordination with the furniture vendor ensured that architectural and vendor items work together for a cohesive space.

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