Discovering the CU Denver Student Commons Building: A Hub of Innovation and Community
Have you noticed the CU Denver's new Student Commons Building near Speer Boulevard over the past few years? Its prominent location at the edge of campus makes it hard to miss, and it's even more impressive than it appears. This isn't just another ordinary university building; it's a dynamic space designed to enhance the student experience, offering 156,000 square feet of incredible resources.
A One-Stop Shop: The Lynx Center
Upon entering the Student Commons Building, you'll immediately encounter the Lynx Center, a comprehensive information hub reminiscent of Apple's Genius Bar. The Lynx Center serves as a one-stop shop for answers to your questions. Instead of navigating through various student service departments, you can visit the Lynx Center in person, by phone, or online and interact with staff who are well-versed in multiple student service areas. If they cannot provide the answers you need, they will direct you to the appropriate office for further assistance.
Centralized Student Services
The convenience extends beyond the Lynx Center, as all student service offices are conveniently located nearby. Whether you're a prospective student seeking information from the admissions office, an enrolled student needing guidance from the Academic Success and Advising Center, or someone seeking financial aid advice from the Scholarship Resource Office, everything is within easy reach. Paying tuition is also a breeze with the centralized location.
State-of-the-Art Learning Spaces
The Student Commons Building boasts a variety of modern learning spaces designed to foster collaboration and engagement. In addition to smaller 30-seat seminar rooms, there are four lecture halls, including one with 150 seats, two with 172 seats, and one with 277 seats. These spaces feel open and spacious, promoting a comfortable learning environment.
To encourage collaboration, some lecture halls feature fixed swivel chairs that allow students to easily interact with their peers. Others offer flexible arrangements with moveable chairs and tables. The Learning Lab is equipped with monitors for shared computer work, and there are even tables that can be arranged in circles for group projects. Mobile work panels with whiteboards and monitors provide additional flexibility. One lucky class may even have the opportunity to utilize a classroom with a folding wall that opens onto a patio for outdoor learning or events.
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Embracing Natural Light
The Student Commons Building prioritizes natural light, with large windows in nearly every room and hallway, including the stairwells. At the back of the building, a windowed wall offers the best view of campus, showcasing the iconic Tivoli Student Union.
Technology and Relaxation
The second floor of the Student Commons Building houses a technology lounge with a print center, computers, and charging stations. Booths with round tables provide spaces for group work, and "solution rooms" offer areas for staff-student interaction. Comfortable seating is abundant throughout the building, with cushioned stools, benches, and padded bleacher seats.
Design and Atmosphere
The Student Commons Building aims to replicate the vibrant atmosphere of Larimer Street, incorporating brick and limestone walls, modern aluminum panels, and dark brown wood accents. Contemporary light fixtures and bright orange furniture add to the modern aesthetic. The building offers a welcoming atmosphere, rivaling the best downtown cafés.
A Hub for Everything
Whether you're attending classes, printing papers, studying, or simply seeking a place to relax, the Student Commons Building has you covered.
A Landmark for CU Denver
The University of Colorado Denver has grown significantly since 1912, now serving over 14,000 students on its downtown Denver campus. The Student Commons Building has helped CU Denver establish a stronger identity on the Auraria Campus and has become an important landmark in the City of Denver.
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Construction and Logistics
The construction of the Student Commons Building on a busy campus in downtown Denver required careful planning and site logistics to ensure safety and minimize disruption. Utilities were brought in from surrounding streets, some as deep as 20 feet. A temporary bus loop was constructed to redirect RTD buses during a major portion of the construction.
The Auraria Campus
CU Denver is situated on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, with buildings on both sides of Speer Boulevard. This location offers students access to both classroom buildings and green spaces, as well as the attractions of LoDo. Key buildings for the student community include the Student Commons, the Student Wellness Center, and City Heights, the new first-year student housing building.
The Student Commons is a place for students to study and eat, and it also houses Lynx Central, a help desk for prospective and current students. The Student Wellness Center features a sports and recreation facility, a Wellness Suite, study rooms, a game lounge, and a climbing wall. City Heights provides on-campus housing for students.
On the east side of Speer Boulevard, you'll find the Lawrence Street Center, CU Denver Building, and the Business School, all within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shops, and the 16th Street Mall. The Ninth Street Historic Park and CU Denver’s Emmanuel Art Gallery also offer unique spaces for students.
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