New Cultural Center Unveiled at Stony Brook University

DIGroup Architecture joined key stakeholders and state and local dignitaries in the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of the new United Nationalities in Transcending Ideologies (UNITI) Cultural Center, Saturday, October 23 at Stony Brook University. The new UNITI Cultural Center embraces all ethnicities; where students feel a sense of belonging and welcomed by a larger unified campus community. The center supports both a dramatic increase in student population in recent years, as well as a more evolved culturally diverse community.
The $1.9M center occupies 4,000 square feet within the recently renovated student union building. Its intent is to connect Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff through diversity and multicultural programs, social discourse, academic and experiential learning, support services, and advocacy that contribute to a positive campus climate. The Center also serves as a resource for social justice education, community service, and research and assessment about matters related to diversity.
Some of the dramatic design features include a glass exterior where users and passers-by can see the colorful and playful mix of organic structures, furniture, finishes and graphics. The Student Experience is state of the art with diverse and dynamic huddle spaces, lounge spaces and study spaces with walls wrapped with impactful multicultural graphics and powerful inspirational icons and messages immerse visitors. To view these design features, view our project highlight.
According to Jeffrey D. Venezia, AIA, CEO and Principal In Charge “My hope is that through our collaborative process and thoughtful design, we have created an environment that fosters understanding, acceptance and a sense of community in today’s complex world for both students and staff.”
DIGroup Architecture, one of the area’s largest majority, black-owned firm with MBE/DBE/SBE certifications, has planned and designed many significant educational projects across the NY-NJ-PA metro area. Their extensive experience in the specialized needs of today’s varied academic arena, both in traditional settings and technology-rich, career-ready environments, has earned them the reputation as an expert in educational design. They are also accomplished in large design-build projects, which to date exceeds $415 million in aggregate construction costs.

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