Atlanta, Georgia
Client: Emory University
Size: 2 acres
Status: Completed 2020
Collaborators: Duda/Paine Architects; Kimley-Horn; KSI Structural Engineers
A new hub for student life in the heart of Emory’s campus.
Emory University partnered with HGOR and a multidisciplinary team to reimagine its student center as a vibrant, welcoming hub for campus life. Replacing an outdated facility that no longer served student needs, the new Campus Life Center (CLC) establishes a flexible, high-performing environment for dining, student organizations, and large-scale events. HGOR’s work focused on shaping the surrounding landscape and public realm to unify the building with adjacent campus destinations, creating a walkable, connected, and inclusive environment that reflects Emory’s strong sense of community and identity.
Reconnecting a Fragmented Campus Experience
The existing student center functioned as a barrier within the campus, limiting connectivity and engagement. This project repositions the CLC as an integral part of the campus fabric, strengthening connections to the adjacent student recreation center and surrounding pathways. The result is a cohesive and legible environment that improves circulation, safety, and the overall student experience
Designing for Everyday Life,
Major Moments, and
Institutional Identity
The CLC was conceived as a space that supports both daily student life and large-scale campus events. The surrounding landscape extends this flexibility outdoors, offering a range of informal gathering spaces, structured plazas, and open areas that accommodate everything from casual dining to organized programming. A central piazza anchors the project, carefully mediating between the contemporary architecture of the CLC and the traditional character of the neighboring Mary Gray Theater. The design blends formal and informal elements to create a space that feels both structured and inviting. This approach reinforces Emory’s campus identity by creating a distinctive and memorable place for students, while allowing the area to stay active and relevant throughout the academic year.
Navigating Topography and Access
Significant grade changes and existing utility constraints required a highly coordinated design approach. HGOR carefully shaped the landscape to ensure that all building entrances are welcoming, visible, and fully accessible. Terracing and grading strategies transform these challenges into opportunities for seating, gathering, and visual connection across the site.
