‘Every student’ inspires UW-Eau Claire

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UW-Eau Claire W.R. Davies Student Center

Who is Laura?

Nobody.

Everybody.

The inspiration behind the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s new and improved W.R. Davies Student Center.

While the university’s second president’s name (Davies) is on the 170,000-square-foot center, Laura was the motivating force behind its innovative look, content and feel.

“When we design, it is with Laura in mind,” said Shawn Plum of Santec Inc., the firm that designed the building with Bray Associates-Architects Inc.

Laura is fictitious high school senior considering universities to attend. Leaving home for the first time, she seeks somewhere comfortable to go on campus where she feels “at home.”

Keeping Laura top of mind, designers also had to be sure the facility blended space for student life facilities, retail dining services, meetings and events, a campus bookstore, retail, student organizations, student lounge spaces, administrative offices and storage.

But besides a roller coaster that empties into an Olympic-sized pool of frozen margaritas, what would a typical college student seek in a student center?

“To Laura, the college experience is more than books and dorms,” Plum said, “it is about independence, discovery, excitement, and responsibility. It is the gateway to the rest of her life.”

With that in mind, the canoe-shaped building points toward the river, as Eau Claire boasts scenic areas such as the Chippewa River, the woods, the stone formations and the Little Niagara Creek.

After holding several focus groups and community forums, a consensus formed that Laura would feel most at home in a Midwest “modern lodge.” One that would express the university’s reverence for the natural environment alongside modern conveniences.

The resulting brand-new, $36.3 million facility was designed and constructed, paid for by segregated student fees.

Stone fireplaces, wood paneling and etchings of branches evoke the natural feel. Footbridges play up scenic spots.

The center boasts a “campus living room,” plus 5,500 square feet of outdoor terraces. Eco-friendly features include a green roof with plantings that retains stormwater runoff, day-lighting, water efficient fixtures, bioswales and interior finishes that are recycled, rapidly renewable and locally sourced. The resulting systems are 30 percent more efficient than code requirements.

“Personally,” Plum said, “this project is the result of many positive experiences converging to make a great building that will change the campus for years to come.”

And while the company never worked with a “Laura” before, she was a great guiding practice to understanding students’ needs, he said.

“She’s the every student,” Plum said.

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