"Bookending" the Student Journey

Western New England University Welcome Center

Springfield, Massachusetts

The Kevin S. Delbridge Welcome Center serves as the first stop for WNE visitors and prospective “Golden Bears.” WNE saw the opportunity to elevate the existing building to better exemplify their mission and identity as a “new traditional” university. As a design partner, Tecton explored the potential of transforming the building to better support the existing Welcome Center program, while also incorporating the University’s Career Center. This consolidation would provide a single destination for career work and create a hub of activity that “bookends” the student experience. Tecton’s work included an analysis of existing conditions, programming exercise and development of conceptual design options. Ultimately, the team identified opportunities to create a dynamic space that provides a positive first impression for visitors, supports WNE students throughout their academic careers and beyond, and welcomes prospective students, families, alumni and employer partners.