By Angelina Munoz
The Learning Resources Center has been an indispensable part of Wilbur Wright College since its opening in 1993, serving as a vital gathering space for students and faculty offices.
Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, the LRC features a unique pyramidal shape as the focal point of the design, with open and light-filled spaces, and integrated technology, encouraging community interaction.
Goldberg’s vision for the LRC was to incorporate the digital age into the building, implementing computers into education and the ability to adapt to future enhancement. He hoped to facilitate experiential communication between the students, faculty, and staff engaged in various activities.
View of the Learning Resource Center from the science building (Photo Credit: Angelina Munoz)
The LRC includes four main floors with three half-floors in between, designed for group and individual study. Computer laboratories are located on the first level, a library on the second level and faculty offices are on the second and third levels.
The open spaces and interconnected floors encourage fluid movement and easy access to different areas within the building. It provides a versatile environment that supports community, accessibility, and collaboration.
The design of the interconnected floors are to reduce barriers, making it easier for students to move seamlessly between spaces and connect to the community around them.
However, open designs present challenges. Noise from conversations and activities tends to echo through the building, making it difficult for students to study and concentrate without something to block the sound.
View of the LRC levels from the second floor. (Photo credit: Angelina Munoz)
Ivana Rios, a first-year engineering student, spends around eight hours a week in the LRC and often struggles with the noise while she is studying. “Because of the open space, there’s too much noise and echoes,” Rios said.
She commented that the balance between quiet and community spaces needs to be distinguished and offered to include more quiet study spaces and group study rooms at each level.
The LRC features a series of tunnels linking to the arts and science buildings on the second and third floors. These tunnels have a sleek, industrial aesthetic with smooth concrete walls and illuminated ceilings, emphasizing function over ornamentation.
While intended to create seamless transitions between buildings, the monochromatic design and lack of distinctive markers can make the tunnels feel repetitive and maze-like to students.
Students crossing the tunnel between the LRC and Arts building. Photo credit: Angelina Munoz
First-year engineering student Fernando Velasquez, who crosses these tunnels daily, shared a helpful tip. “Every level of the arts and science buildings has a distinct color wall that matches with the ceiling of every tunnel,” Velasquez said.
“I often stay here late, and while building lights turn off automatically, the tunnel lights stay on. Brighter lights would make it even better,” Velasquez commented.
The LRC remains a cornerstone of student life blending architectural innovation with community-focused spaces. Students continue adapting to these spaces, making the LRC a dynamic environment for learning, growth, and connection.
“Get to know the space and its resources to take complete advantage of it,” Rios suggested to Wright students.
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