SWBR received the Interior Design award for Higher Education from IIDA NY Buffalo for the Golisano Community Engagement Center at Roberts Wesleyan University. The annual awards honor interior design projects that demonstrate design excellence, creativity, and exemplary skill.
Opened in 2023, the new 26,000 SF center is a hub for connection, community interaction and student life resources. It is the campus’ first building to provide centralized meeting space for student groups, food service for adult and commuter students, and easy access to career development, and student life services.
The interior design blends function and identity, featuring flexible gathering and event spaces, a custom welcome desk, and acoustic tree tables that connect visually to the outdoor commons. Exposed steel, patterned acoustic finishes, and porcelain tiles evoke structural bridge elements, symbolizing the university’s connection to the community. A warm interior palette in university colors and a quiet second-story prayer lounge further support student comfort, reflection, and engagement.