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Ravenscroft School - Olander Center for Student Life
Ravenscroft School - Olander Center for Student Life
Raleigh, NC, United States
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Other Projects by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Ravenscroft School - Olander Center for Student Life
Raleigh, NC, United States
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2022
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
The Olander Center for Student Life at the A.E. Finley Activity Center stands as a dynamic response to nearly a decade of visioning by Ravenscroft School’s leadership, a commitment to shaping an environment that supports the whole student. Nestled at the heart of campus, this reimagined facility blends thoughtful renovation with new construction to create a vibrant hub for social connection, personal growth, and academic enrichment.
Strategically positioned between the Middle and Upper Schools, the center acts as a bridge—both physically and symbolically—uniting students across age groups and interests. With an emphasis on holistic wellness, the design offers a variety of flexible spaces that encourage gathering, reflection, and exploration. Light-filled study areas, active dining zones, and welcoming seminar and wellness rooms support students throughout their day, from morning classes to after-school activities. Outdoor amenities, including dining terraces and activity spaces, extend the center’s reach into the natural landscape, fostering a deeper connection between learners and their environment.
At the core of the design process was student engagement. Early feedback highlighted the importance of balance by having spaces for quiet focus alongside vibrant areas for social interaction. This student-centered approach informed a spatial composition that merges athletic, academic, and social life under one roof. The resulting design cultivates a sense of belonging while offering an adaptable environment that can evolve with the school’s changing needs.
Architecturally, the center enhances the school’s iconic A.E. Finley Activity Center through a sensitive yet bold expansion. Two distinct entrances, carefully situated at differing elevations, offer clear identity and access for both Middle and Upper School students. A unified design language ties the old and new together, with accessible pathways, landscaped connections, and curated views reinforcing the center’s role as a crossroads on campus. From within, expansive glazing provides uninterrupted sightlines from the Middle School, across the quad, and toward Stefanou Field, positioning the building as both a literal and visual anchor.
The Olander Center for Student Life is not just a building; it is the heart of the Ravenscroft experience. By merging a dynamic dining hall with rich spaces for collaboration, creativity, and contemplation, the center creates a living lantern of student life. It has quickly become the most-used facility on campus, a testament to its versatility and resonance with the school community. Designed for flexibility and long-term relevance, the space is poised to support Ravenscroft’s mission for generations to come, serving as a catalyst for community, well-being, and lifelong learning.
Strategically positioned between the Middle and Upper Schools, the center acts as a bridge—both physically and symbolically—uniting students across age groups and interests. With an emphasis on holistic wellness, the design offers a variety of flexible spaces that encourage gathering, reflection, and exploration. Light-filled study areas, active dining zones, and welcoming seminar and wellness rooms support students throughout their day, from morning classes to after-school activities. Outdoor amenities, including dining terraces and activity spaces, extend the center’s reach into the natural landscape, fostering a deeper connection between learners and their environment.
At the core of the design process was student engagement. Early feedback highlighted the importance of balance by having spaces for quiet focus alongside vibrant areas for social interaction. This student-centered approach informed a spatial composition that merges athletic, academic, and social life under one roof. The resulting design cultivates a sense of belonging while offering an adaptable environment that can evolve with the school’s changing needs.
Architecturally, the center enhances the school’s iconic A.E. Finley Activity Center through a sensitive yet bold expansion. Two distinct entrances, carefully situated at differing elevations, offer clear identity and access for both Middle and Upper School students. A unified design language ties the old and new together, with accessible pathways, landscaped connections, and curated views reinforcing the center’s role as a crossroads on campus. From within, expansive glazing provides uninterrupted sightlines from the Middle School, across the quad, and toward Stefanou Field, positioning the building as both a literal and visual anchor.
The Olander Center for Student Life is not just a building; it is the heart of the Ravenscroft experience. By merging a dynamic dining hall with rich spaces for collaboration, creativity, and contemplation, the center creates a living lantern of student life. It has quickly become the most-used facility on campus, a testament to its versatility and resonance with the school community. Designed for flexibility and long-term relevance, the space is poised to support Ravenscroft’s mission for generations to come, serving as a catalyst for community, well-being, and lifelong learning.
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