Alumni Center Task Force
Minutes
Board of Directors
Friday, May 6, 2016
1. CURRENT SKETCHES
- The majority of the meeting was spent reviewing the latest sketches with architects Mark Simon and Alan Paradis from Centerbrook.
- Plans will be presented to the Facilities and Environment Committee of the Board of Trustees on Friday, May 13th. Design approval is expected and then Duke will move forward to prepare the site while applying for the permits they need from the City of Durham. Final approval will be sought at the October Trustee meeting, with a groundbreaking and then the commencement of construction expected shortly thereafter.
Visitors Center/Large Event Space
- One-story structure (two stories high) that runs perpendicular to Duke University Road
- The main entrance will be reworked to be more open using glass, possibly opaque
- There are plans to add a cafe and a unisex bathroom (not shown on existing plans)
- There is an on-site catering kitchen with a road that allows for discreet deliveries
- A combination of glass, Duke Stone and Duke Brick will be used
- Duke Stone will be used as a highlight
- If possible, we will use large slabs of Duke Stone as benches outside the main entrance
- Large drop-off area that allows buses to easily turn around
- Interior Gothic arches will be constructed from Glulam to provide support.and aesthetics
- Lighting will be variable to provide multiple moods
- Perforated wood panels will be used to enhance acoustics
- Quatrefoil will be used to diffuse the natural light
- French doors open to Alumni Quad that can be tented
- Covered stone walkway, good for rolling carts
- Gathering space for Admissions overflow and/or groups waiting for tours
Small Event Space
- One-story structure that runs parallel to Duke University Road
- Will be able to accommodate 60 people at tables, 90 people in cinema seating
- Duke stone wall at one end with fireplace
- Media center at other end for presentations
- Wood louvered shutters to control exterior light during presentations
- Inverse of Large Event Space based on proportion glass versus Duke Brick and Duke Stone
DAA Office Building
- Two-story building that runs parallel to Duke University Road
- Covered walkway to new Forlines House; walkway is stone, good for rolling carts
- Majority of DAA Staff offices will be located here
- Main entrance is on same side as Graduate Admissions
- This structure is meant to blend in, not compete with other buildings
(New) Forlines House
- Existing Trumbauer/Abele structure on Chapel Drive, perpendicular to Duke University Road
- Remove back porch, use existing patio for private events
- Remove photo studio and existing shed
- Offices for senior DAA Staff, upstairs; reception downstairs (two people)
- Replace windows, restore exterior to original grandeur
- Interior downstairs will have library, bar and a small event space
- Covered walkway to DAA Office Building and Small & Large Event Spaces
General
- Remove invasive species underbrush, plant more trees
- Outdoor benches and artwork (from Nasher) to create park-like atmosphere
- On-site parking for 80 cars
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
While much of the interior work is only beginning, we asked that THE SOWER statue from East Campus be placed on the site as a symbol of Duke Alumni spreading knowledge throughout the world.
Many of the recommendations have already been incorporated, but we will continue to engage with the architects as the process evolves over the summer and work closely with them to incorporate the proposals into the final product.
3. THANK YOU
The architects acknowledged that our recommendations have already informed their work and will continue to do so. Thank you all for your site visits, creative input and for dreaming big. As we said at the beginning, one day you will be able to say "I was a part of making this happen". That proud day is not very far away. We look forward to celebrating there with all of you.
Let's Go (Build A) Duke (Alumni Center)!