Stewart, an interdisciplinary design, engineering and planning firm, was contracted to create a state-of-the-art student center for Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), located in Charlotte, NC. The new building, named Parr Center, is a 173,000-square-foot complex with stunning views of Charlotte's skyline.
The new complex features the Hagemeyer Library, Dove Art Gallery, a Student Union, 450-seat theatre, Academic Learning Center, student commons with a collaborative stair, dining areas and food services, multiple greenroofs and rooftop terraces, indoor and outdoor multipurpose and study spaces, a redeveloped quad and more.
Understanding that the quad is the anchor of CPCC's campus, Stewart's landscape architecture team developed a plan that would visually and spatially unify the college's grounds.
Design Goals:
Complete the Quad - Preservation of an iconic Magnolia tree, a key anchor on the site, was completed by constructing a four-foot-wide retaining 'Lounge' wall supporting the tree root structure while providing for student and faculty lounging space.
A landmark clocktower, also preserved on site, reflects upon the new library in a cohesive design unifying the space and welcoming visitors into central campus.
Connect the Campus - A major factor in the design of the project was creating an anchor landmark that reflected the future of the campus while paying homage to its classic materials and framework.

 
The reuse of traditional materials in modern forms paved connections to the existing quad, simplifying and creating clear destination routes that are accessible to all.
Cultivate Interaction - The variety of spaces in the new quad give opportunities for gathering, relaxation, studying and socializing.
The western corner of the library opens upon the public realm. Arriving visitors are greeted with a unique fixture - the 'Community Bench'. Offering a tiered seating area for students and the public, the bench allows for interaction with the community.
Traversing the main axis into the quad via the landmark clocktower, a sloped 'Events Lawn' offers space for organized events as well as impromptu gatherings.
A tree canopy covered 'Outdoor Reading Room' creates a destination for respite and relaxation, melting away the demands of student life.
Multiple terraces and vegetated roofs over the building offer additional space for indoor and outdoor connections, special events and amazing views of the Charlotte skyline.
Sustainability
Stormwater is managed throughout the site from the building greenroofs to the native grasses at the ground level. Benefits offered by the green roofs include delaying the runoff peak and decreasing the peak rate of runoff from the building, simulating runoff characteristics expected from a native Piedmont meadow.
Native plants found on site represent the wavy grasses and meadows of the Piedmont. These native plants offer reduced irrigation, fertilization, pesticide and maintenance demands.
Stewart was honored to be a part of such a collaborative team of professionals. Success was measured by bringing together unique and inspiring solutions for all users of the community. In addition, the project offers a modern aesthetic to traditional campus design which colleges can use as a blueprint for future developments.


The upcoming School and Campus Design Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

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