Reinvigorated lobby design enhances user experience and wayfinding in a key university building

Originally conceived as part of a broader lobby and corridor study, this project focused on refreshing the elevator lobbies within the Kresge Building to create a more cohesive, welcoming experience at a key campus entry point. Ebbrell Architecture + Design led the aesthetic reinvigoration of the elevator lobbies on three levels—lower, ground, and second—along with the redesign of the security desk to relieve congestion at the main entrance and provide a more functional workspace for welcoming building visitors for every day use and special events. The resulting design improves wayfinding and integrates the School’s new brand through thoughtful materiality, color, and technology.

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• Defined a clear and cohesive arrival sequence past the new security desk, guiding visitors toward the elevators through warm wood paneling and a unified material palette.
• Integrated digital display screens to streamline communications and replace visually cluttered bulletin boards.
• Applied custom branded wallcoverings drawing directly from the school’s new brand identity, using distinct color schemes on each floor to aid wayfinding.
• Reconfigured the security desk to improve circulation and reduce congestion at a major building entry point.
• Introduced a fully illuminated, backlit decorative ceiling system that delivers even, high-quality light and serves as a striking architectural focal point throughout the elevator lobby.