Talley Student Union, NC State University

Project Details

Project Description

The North Carolina State University Talley Student Union creates a new center for campus activity through the transformation of a underutilized 1972 facility into a vital and vibrant hub for student-life experiences. The building’s architecture and open interior spaces foster an interactive and interdisciplinary environment, while providing a landmark campus destination. The design’s emphasis on shared and flexible spaces, diversified dining, university pride, centralized student organizations, and integrated exterior/interior environments advances a new model for student centers and redefines NC State’s campus.

The building welcomes and accommodates campus life with glazed storefronts that allow views both out to the surroundings and inside to activities within the building. The addition of an iconic landmark—the Technology Tower—marks the building’s eastern entrance and has become a primary point of campus orientation, a choice meeting place for students, and an important starting point for campus tours.

Talley includes a new, four-story, sky-lit atrium carved from the 1972 building’s structure. It links major spaces and houses a full-height, louvered wood sculpture of the University mascot. The building also includes a dynamic variety of culinary experiences (12 venues on 3 floors), a commons, lounge areas, a print/copy shop, the NC State Bookstore, expanded retail, and student government and organization spaces. A 12,000-square-foot ballroom and 13 meeting rooms are designed for flexibility. The Stewart Theater received new interior finishes. A robust infrastructure supports the entire building.