In a location originally designated by Wright as a dense grove of citrus trees, the new facility’s form takes inspiration from the natural topography and influence from the immediate architectural context, including several Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures. The project was initially proposed as an addition or “wing” to the existing Roux Library, designed by architect Nils Schweizer in 1965. By designing the Center as a stand-alone structure, a courtyard was developed between the two buildings providing a valuable campus space. The cast-in-place concrete details that characterize the adjacent library were abstracted and integrated into the north and west elevations of the project. These details clearly portray the programmatic relationship shared by the two facilities. The building’s curved form preserves one of Wright’s trademark diagonal vistas from one of the College’s primary entrances to several Wright structures, including the recently restored Water Dome and Annie Pfeiffer Chapel.
