George Mason University, George W. Johnson Center

Fairfax, VA | 1994

The George W. Johnson Center and Library creates a central hub for student activity on the George Mason University campus, integrating student center and library functions along a central skylit mall. The Johnson Center is both symbolically and programmatically the campus "community space," unifying a relatively young campus that serves a rapidly expanding population, including a large number of commuter students. Since its completion the Johnson Center has become the campus forum, providing a speaking venue for a steady stream of national and regional political and public policy figures

Major program elements include assembly space for 1,400; a 100,000 volume "disposable collection" library; a 300-seat movie theatre, student lounge and recreation areas; meeting and conference room space; food service, including a 150-seat restaurant, pub/lounge, and general dining for 500; retail space; and administrative office space for campus organizations.

The Center's entries and central mall are oriented to respond to existing circulation patterns. Its detailed brick and decorative cast stone exterior complement campus buildings while creating a distinctive architectural presence for the University.

Shepley Bulfinch was the project's design architect, working in collaboration with Marcellus Wright Cox and Smith of Richmond, VA.

See More >

A day in the life of the Johnson Center - December 2010

«Back