Steelcase University Learning Center

Project Details

Client

Steelcase Inc.

Location

Grand Rapids, MI

Scale

60,000 square feet

Cost

$7,374,400

Completion

1999

Renovation of an existing windowless warehouse to provide an international “nerve center,” included new exterior facade and canopy, landscaping and addition of a courtyard to evolve from warehouse space to learning environment, along with extensive interior upgrades. Provides wide variety of rich learning environments based on classic community and urban planning principles. Provides nine classrooms, 10 breakout areas, an installation lab for Steelcase product installer training, distance learning studio for a focus on learning technology, media center, and learning spaces for informal, individual learning functions which are supported by plug and play stations and a food service area.

Objective

Consolidate employee training and learning resources that had become scattered across multiple buildings, and which caused redundancies and inconsistencies.

Outcome

30,000 learners participated in sessions during the first two years of operation which was a significant increase over previous use; distant learning experienced similar increase.
2000 ABC WMC Award of Excellence.
2000 West Michigan Illuminating Engineering Society.
Lighting Merit Award 2001 AIA Grand Valley Honor Award - Building Design.