Sacred Heart University Martire Business & Communications Center
Fairfield, CT
Bridging lower and upper campus, this bright and dynamic center becomes a hub of campus activity
Sacred Heart University McMahon Student Commons
Main entry with bookstore to the right and dining hall above
Following the completion of a new chapel on campus, Sasaki was commissioned by Sacred Heart University to design a new 50,000-square-foot student services facility. In addition to the campus bookstore, the program includes food services in the form of a 250-seat dining hall for students, a private 50-seat dining room, informal learning spaces, a career counseling office center, and other student support areas. The student commons is envisioned as an active hub of activity on campus, providing an attractive venue where students can gather day and night, indoors and out.
Architecturally, the new commons combines natural stone and expanses of glass in a simple composition—made to mimic the university chapel, nearby
The building navigates a significant grade change and serves as a connector between the academic, residential, and athletic nodes on campus
Private dining
The building sits at a major campus crossroads of roadways and pedestrian walks, where students and faculty traverse between the main academic center, the new chapel, several residence halls, and the sports complex. Negotiating a substantive change in site elevation, the building becomes a bridge between the lower and upper campus, further emphasizing its role as a node of community life.
The curtain wall system was designed to maximize glass size, prioritizing views, and creating strong connectivity between interior and exterior spaces
Cafe with seating
Dining facilities are supported by a state-of-the-art kitchen and servery area, outfitted with high-end finishes and energy-efficient, energy star equipment
New dining spaces include a main dining hall with panoramic views of the campus and the university’s chapel
The bookstore and a presentation room frame an entry plaza immediately across the existing campus center. From the main entrance, a stairwell connects to the career counseling center on the mezzanine and to the upper level, which leads to the upper parts of the campus through an ample and light-filled concourse area. The main dining hall provides views of the campus and the new chapel. A separate private dining room will be used to host functions for trustees and benefactors of the university. Both facilities are supported by a state of the art kitchen and server area, outfitted with high-end finishes and equipment. A ground level space, connected by the main stair, accommodates night time student functions and activities, including space for entertainment and performances.
The interiors of the main stair are crisp and refined, marked by natural stone and abundant natural light—with an emphasis on transparency
Career Center overlooking presentation room
The student commons is envisioned as an active hub of activity on campus, providing an attractive venue where students can gather day and night, indoors and out
The interiors of the main stair are crisp and refined, marked by natural stone and abundant natural light—with an emphasis on transparency
Career Center overlooking presentation room
The student commons is envisioned as an active hub of activity on campus, providing an attractive venue where students can gather day and night, indoors and out
The project is LEED® certified to the Silver level.
Overall view of the new Student Commons
For more information contact Vinicius Gorgati.
