Classroom Office Building at Purdue University Northwest

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Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faced the challenge of creating a welcoming, student-centered space within its Classroom Office Building (CLO). With a primarily commuter student population, PNW needed to foster student interaction in a way that residential campuses naturally do. The building’s redesign aimed to enhance student engagement by accommodating key student services and organizations, all while maintaining accessibility and inclusivity as critical design components. Additionally, construction had to be completed without disrupting the academic calendar.

Shive-Hattery collaborated with PNW to implement the first two construction phases over summer breaks, ensuring that the project timeline did not interfere with student access. The design re-imagined the CLO building as the “front door” to the campus, making it an inviting space for all students, focusing on inclusivity. The space was reconfigured to house essential student functions like the Career Center, Honors College, and Student Life, providing places where students can connect and interact. Thoughtful design choices, such as finishes and accessibility features, ensured that the building is welcoming to all.

The redesigned CLO has significantly enhanced the student experience at PNW, offering spaces that foster collaboration and connection among commuter students. With essential student services now centrally located, the building strengthens student engagement and creates a hub for involvement, which was previously limited by the lack of residential interaction. Phases 1 and 2 were completed on time, and the campus will continue to benefit from further enhancements when Phase 3 is completed in 2025, contributing to a resilient, future-focused campus environment.Put your header content here