As the first school of packaging in the United States and the largest packaging program in the country, Michigan State University’s School of Packaging was redesigned to align with their standing and continued demand for program growth. The reimagining reinforces the program as a modern learning center supporting the use of emerging technologies.

The 22,000 SF addition and renovation to the original 1964 Packaging Building resulted from a full programming and planning effort with faculty, staff, alumni, and students. Both an addition and major renovation were required to achieve the desired vision and establish a new face to the public. Major features include a new main entry, Welcome Center, small meeting rooms, administrative and faculty offices, dedicated graduate student workstations, and collaboration zones.

An underused, open courtyard space was transformed into a multi-functional main concourse with flexible collaboration space designed for students, faculty, and industry partners to gather, study, present, and network with each other. Running the full depth of the building, the space is capped by a translucent skylight flooding the corridor with daylight. The design incorporated accessibility, sustainability, and durability into the school and its finishes – all high-priority needs for MSU. The large lecture hall was redesigned with a zero-slope floor, flexible seating, and acoustic treatments to ensure students of all abilities get the most out of learning opportunities.

To meet sustainability goals, durable flooring and acoustical baffles made from recycled materials were utilized. Blending aesthetic value with functionality ensures the School of Packaging remains a timeless campus destination with the flexibility to evolve to support program growth and accommodate a wide variety of activities.