The University of Oklahoma needed a plan to rejuvenate the two-story 1959 Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center. This building provided a shared facility to accommodate students from various ethnic clubs. Due to its lack of functional space, renovations were required to appropriately fit the needs of the students, provide a more updated environment, an implement design codes. Cavin Design Group developed design solutions that maintained the unique architecture of the building while enhancing it with improved and efficient spatial use. CDG designed the floor plan to offer additional space in areas such as the multipurpose rooms that offered space for events and lectures, conference rooms for club meetings, and a shared workroom. The additional space was available throught the re-sizing of the commercial kitchen, which originally was too large for its actually need. CDG incorporated ADA requirements throughout the building, which included the new centrally located elevator, restroom renovations, and exit accessibility. To complete the overall appearance, contemporary style materials were selected to create a warm and natural appearance. Colors were shown in a mixture of browns, muted golds, and neutral tones. Several of the materials were representative of the cultural backgrounds of the various ethnic clubs. CDG beautifully combined materials such as eastern Asian capiz shells, exotic zebra wood veneer, and American Indian art influenced flooring in a unified and tasteful palette.

Client:

Mr. Michael Moorman, Director Architectural & Engineering Norman, Oklahoma