Projects

Muhlenberg College’s Career Center features a mix of offices, flexible meeting spaces, and impromptu gathering spaces. The new Career Center is part of the expansion and enhancement of The J. Conrad and Hazel J. Seegers Union.

Conceptual Planning for Capital Campaigning

Muhlenberg College’s long-range plans included making updates to The J. Conrad and Hazel J. Seegers Union building. To begin the process, RLPS collaborated with College representatives to collect data on Muhlenberg’s functional space and programming needs. With information collected during the focus groups and design charrettes, we conceptually designed a 42,000-square foot addition that featured a mix of classrooms, offices, flexible meeting spaces and impromptu gathering spaces. The design helped garner the largest single personal gift in the College’s history.

Expanding into the Future

The planned expansion and renovation was envisioned to be a home for the College’s Career Center and provide more robust professional development programs to both students and alumni. A combination of multi-functional gathering spaces, virtual interview rooms, and technology-ready seminar and training rooms were designed for a dynamic and vibrant setting. Both internal resources and community business connections would be able to utilize these areas.

Located at the corner of Chew Street and Academic Row, the building offers an inviting entry to encourage student engagement. Glass walls at the ground level highlight the activity space and celebrate the active engaging space. Along the Chew Street elevation, a terrace was designed to emphasize indoor/outdoor connections.

Career Center Design Features Flexibility

Many unique common areas were designed with flexible furniture, soft seating, and interactive technology to foster a variety of working environments. Students and alumni from all disciplines could work independently or with others. The meeting rooms and seminar spaces also support and enhance the Career Center’s experiential programs.