LAMBERT Architecture + Interiors
418 N. Marshall St., Ste. 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
+ WFU Welcome Center
LAMBERT was charged with “revere and revise” upon creating this LEED Gold Welcome Center to accommodate growth for its Admissions Department. This facility was to revere the Georgian Revival style of the campus, while taking advantage of modern materials and respecting the environment. The building primarily serves the Office of Admissions, which holds Information Sessions year-round to prospective students and their families, and conducts interviews and leads tours as part of the application process.
Nestled into a wooded site, the Welcome Center traverses three level changes in site elevation. The formal front faces the main entrance road to the University.
Paths on the vehicular arrival side of the building lead the visitor to a walled courtyard where they enter the building.
The illuminated conservatory glows like a lantern at night and opens to the exterior courtyard, allowing the two to be jointly used for social events.
Upon entry, the interior opens up to a conservatory with views of smaller, more private meeting areas, the reception area, and the open, second-floor interview rooms.
Rift-sawn white oak paneling similar to other campus buildings was used to define spaces while still giving an open feeling throughout. Historic light fixtures previously removed from other campus buildings were restored and relamped with energy efficient LED bulbs.
Upon arrival, visitors see an information kiosk which also contains the building dashboard which features the sustainable aspects of this LEED Gold building. A columned gallery organizes space on the Main and 2nd levels.
The building configuration allowed for introduction of natural light on three sides of the 260-seat, tiered auditorium. As in the opposite wing, painted millwork using classical detailing defines the space.
