Designed as a recruitment tool to create a unique experience for potential student athletes and their families. A major focus for the TESSERE team was to create a ‘home-away-from-home’ for student athletes to feel supported and thrive in.
The Wichita State University Student Athlete Success Center (SASC) officially opened to the athletes and staff in August 2020. TESSERE designed the new two-story, 36,000-square-foot facility, connected to the 18,000-square-foot renovated portion of Charles Koch Arena through a modern sky-bridge walkway. The new facility supports the approximately 300 student-athletes competing on 15 teams, and 100 staff and coaches.
In 2014, the Wichita State University athletic department requested TESSERE prepare the preliminary program, conceptual floor plans and renderings for this new Student Athletic Success Center due to the widespread growth the program has experienced over the past decade in both numbers of student athletes and staff. Spaces identified in the new student center included a Student Study Area with computer lab, open study hall and tutoring spaces; Student Athlete meeting spaces and fueling station; multiple sport office suites and various other unique spaces.
SASC; Koch; WSU Student Athletie Success Center-Arena Expansion
The facility was designed as a recruitment tool to create a unique experience for potential student athletes and their families. A major focus for the TESSERE team was to create a ‘home-away-from-home’ for student athletes to feel supported and thrive in. The intent was to generate interest within each space, keeping a student-centered focus in mind as well as the individual goals of each sport and overall mission of the athletic department. To ensure all needs were met, the TESSERE team held additional one-on-one meetings with each department to listen to their sport’s needs and enhance the team’s overall experience and performance. The overarching concept for the building emulates the movement created by athletes as they perform on the court, field, or track. The movement is carried throughout the design and seen through the angular and curved shape of the building facades. The linear lighting patterns, custom designed reception desks and branded carpets all enhance movement.
Dynamic branding and eye-catching features were woven into the user experience. The TESSERE team incorporated various photo opportunities including a 9-foot-tall SHOCKER letter wall graphic and a must-see Wu Shock at the building’s main entrance. Specific features can be seen in the Basketball Suites with custom, textured basketball graphic at the reception areas; Custom light fixture mimicking a putting green within the Golf Suite; and a communal-style conference space to encourage the Volleyball team to collaborate, study, or relax together. This project would not have been possible without the generous donors, so TESSERE wanted to provide an exceptional experience in a space that is just for them through renovating the Champion’s Club. Thoughtful finishes, furniture, and a distinct feel achieved the overall elevated experience.
“The entire project will forever be a highlight of our careers,” says Meredith Hampton, Project Manager and Monica Abbott, Interior Designer. “We were all challenged to collaborate and overcome the obstacles the arose from the pandemic all while providing our distinct level of service for the University and Athletic Department.”
TESSERE Architecture provided Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Site Planning, Project Management and Construction Administration for this project.
