This expansive new student center on the main campus of East Carolina University serves a wide variety of programmatic needs. The design features a cultural center, black box theater, ballroom, bookstore, group study spaces, game lounge, food court and an expansive daylit dining area, making it a bustling hub of student activity on campus.

The student center represents a step into the future for ECU, and is one of the first state-owned buildings in North Carolina illuminated exclusively by LED sources. A visually comfortable, economical, and easily maintained lighting solution was achieved. A concealed cove detail in the ballroom space provides perimeter accent illumination in the Pirates’ trademark purple, and linear luminaires are seamlessly integrated within wood slat ceilings in multiple locations.

Exterior uplighting accentuates the brick and steel structure supporting wood-clad canopies on the south and east facades, creating a distinct and welcoming destination for students and visitors.