Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life
Tulane’s enthusiastic green movement advocated a sustainable redesign of the Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC). The existing student center building was stripped to its concrete frame (saving large amounts of landfill space and reducing material costs), expanded by one-third, and equipped with eco-friendly systems. practis joined National AIA Firm Award Recipient VJAA as the local architect on this impactful renovation of one of Tulane’s most iconic structures.
New Orleans’ hot, humid climate was thoughtfully addressed through thermal zoning, variable shading, air circulation, and radiant cooling systems. Balconies, canopies, and courtyards promote natural light, airflow, and movement, reflecting the city’s architectural traditions. The LBC’s façade is inspired by New Orleans’s culture, climate, and history, with deep porches mediating between inside and out.
A deep, modern gallery on the northeast merges building and quad, while a smaller “pocket park” on the southwest sits by the bookstore. Large portions of the façade can be opened to the exterior to capture cross-breezes and the natural environment, with high-tech mechanical systems monitoring the balance throughout. Program elements — a library, bookstore, various social areas, administrative and club offices, student services, and large commons — are organized based on natural light and outdoor connectivity.
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Location McAlister Drive, Tulane University, New Orleans Completed 2006 Size 146,000 sf