Sarah Lawrence College has a new “front door”—the 35,000-sq-ft Barbara Walters Campus Center in Westchester County, N.Y. An adaptable social and academic gathering space, the center is named after the school’s famous journalist alumna.

The flexible, multi-use structure serves as a nexus of intellectual, cultural and social life in the middle of the liberal arts college’s Bronxville campus, with venues capable of hosting public and academic events through a series of lounges, dining spots and space dedicated to student clubs, activities and collaborative efforts. The design mixes classic features of the physical campus along with sustainable elements such as a green roof, LED lighting and locally sourced wood interiors. The center blends into the landscape with connecting stairs and terraces that create a “front lawn” atmosphere.

The project team met the challenge of building the facility in a busy section of campus near residence halls, arts centers and a library. Work was completed in summer 2019.

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