With the construction of Duquesne University’s ‘Power Center’ and subsequent relocation of the Barnes and Noble bookstore and textbook center, to Forbes Avenue the University undertook a project to reconfigure 19,000 square feet of the main level of the Union building to bring activities and services for the campus into the ‘hub’ of the Union. The project program includes: Information/Welcome Desk and Manager’s Office, Barnes and Noble satellite store, PNC Bank-Mini Branch with ATM machines and full time staff, Computer Store with computer help desk, and repair shop, Student ID Center Health Services Department, with administrative offices for staff, doctors and 6 exam rooms and Counseling Suite, Admissions Department Presentation & Orientation Room (60 people) Student Lounge, New Public Bathrooms

Each entity has an address on the> paths- balance between open and flowing space and defined areas that are more private. The second floor is the main floor of arrival (from Forbes or the parking structure), literally the front door of the campus. However, half of the second floor is below grade and as such we shaped the plan to provide a view from the deepest part of the plan to the activities near the entrance. More importantly this arrangement provides a glimpse of daylight and the exterior from locations that were once dark and constricted. The green building aspects that we focused on for this design includes Indoor Air Quality, through increased fresh air ventilation and selection of Greenguard certified finishes and furniture, water conservation through fixture selection and controls and Energy efficiency for heating and cooling systems as well as the efficiency and energy reducing controls for lighting.