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Situated at Broward College's main entry, The Answer Center is a first stop for prospective students, parents and other visitors seeking information.
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The remodeled plan maximized efficiencies among previously compartmentalized departments, creating a more student-centered process.
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Much like an emergency room, students are first triaged for assessment then directed to the appropriate level of service provided by a generalist or specialist.
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AFTER: The space captures visitors before they get lost, educates them on how to proceed and carries them through the process to meet their needs.
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BEFORE: A mall storefront was previously provided for each individual department such as academic advising, financial aid, etc.
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BEFORE: An uninspiring maze of spaces led to student frustration when trying to locate and access services.
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AFTER: Self-service kiosks allow students the option of either virtual or in-person assistance. Scheduling software communicates wait times via text, helping collegians manage their time.
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AFTER: Clear and simple wayfinding allows students to self-navigate. Each department is color coded and consistently branded to unify all student services.
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AFTER: Concierge spaces for each service are marked as colored nodes along the pathways, providing visual cues that distinguish individual departments.
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AFTER: At concierge locations, students can check in, wait for their various advisors, and discover other available services through interactive monitors.
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AFTER: Geometric patterns inspired by bird feathers help guide students through the space, incorporating school spirit and brand with wayfinding.
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AFTER: For a higher level of assistance, private meeting rooms offer auditory privacy but keep students safe by maintaining visual sightlines.
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AFTER: All service desks are accessible to students with disabilities. The Accessibility Resources desk further ensures all students' needs are met.
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2021 Jack Cook
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2021 Jack Cook
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2021 Jack Cook
PROJECT NARRARTIVE
Broward College’s Student Union was originally designed with individual department storefronts laid out along a long hallway. But as many support services shifted online, the space became underutilized and outdated. Broward College engaged BRPH to redesign its student union and help reimagine how its services are delivered.
The design team created an efficient, streamlined process that provides students with a more positive customer experience and both virtual and in-person services, including a staffed welcome desk, self-service kiosks for queuing, computer stations, and plentiful meeting/collaboration spaces.
Much like an Apple store or emergency room triage, The Answer Center captures students before they get lost, identifying their needs upon entry and allowing them to “shop” various levels of services and problem solve within a guided environment. Each department, such as advising or financial aid, is color coded and features a concierge node, making it easy for students to visually navigate the space. Inspired by the college’s Seahawk mascot, geometric feather-like patterns are incorporated throughout the design, bringing the school’s brand and school spirit to life and adding another source of wayfinding.
The Answer Center provides an innovative, student-centered solution, balancing human connection with technology, and utilizes the existing space much more efficiently.
Broward College Student Services, The Answer Center
Category
College/University
Description
Owner
Broward College
Davie, FL
Architecture Firm
BRPH
Melbourne,Florida
brph.com
Photography By:
2021 Jack Cook
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