GOING GLOBAL AT RIT
There is a new pulse of energy at Rochester Institute of Technology and it’s radiating from Global Village: RIT’s newest student community. More than a place to live and study, Global Village is the physical embodiment of the university’s mission of preparing students to excel in a global society.
RIT has campuses scattered across the world with a particularly strong presence in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Dr. Jim Watters, Senior VP of Finance and Administration explains, “Our global campuses and strategic plan of preparing students to be global citizens led me to think we needed a launch point – a place for our domestic students to prepare for an international experience.” During a visit to California,
Dr. Watters was inspired by a mixed-use development in San Jose called Santana Row. The Santana Row architects brought their knowledge of developing a successful mixed-use community composed of residential, commercial, and retail space and adapted it to the university environment. The builder, The Pike Company, brought it to life.
RESIDENTIAL
Dormitory floors reflect the regional cultural styles where RIT’s international campuses are located. Kurt Ingerick and Amanda Kelley shared the role of establishing a design and selecting furnishings, colors, and accessories. Kelley developed cultural “look books” by assembling images, color palettes, patterns, and textures that evoked the sense of being there.
Style wasn’t enough. Watters’ team wanted to connect the culture of each locale to the RIT campus through the students. Study-abroad program participants submitted images from their travels, of which 120 were selected for use throughout Global Village. A mural-sized photo sets the cultural mood as visitors step off the elevator. Another floor-to-ceiling image, along with large, exposed wood beams create a front-porch look to each suite entry. Take Asia, for example. A huge image of the Great Wall of China is opposite the elevator. Marco Polo is the name of the geometric floor pattern and the frames are black lacquer. Ingereck selected furniture that combined form and functionality. In addition to being attractive and durable, components accommodated different fabrics to complement that floor’s theme and shared study areas.
ACADEMIC
As a launch point for becoming global citizens, Global Village hosts key academics including Study Abroad and Fellowships, Global Initiatives and Programs, Native American Future Stewards Program and the Entrepreneurial Center.
COMMERCIAL
Open to the general public and seamlessly attached to the dormitories is Global Village’s commercial plaza. The Market at Global Village is where students can buy groceries. This award-winning retailer successfully created a public-market feel indoors with awnings and outdoor vendor food carts for displays. The thriving indoor restaurant pavilion is festooned with white lights. Fresh food with global flavor is available and students can eat inside in a festive Mexican-style cantina complete with windows and red clay tile to bring the outdoors inside. There is an artisan boutique selling stunning artwork and crafts made by students, faculty, and alumni. A post office, salon, print shop, and wellness center, all upholding global décor, provide valuable services.
Everything is built around a central plaza anchoring Global Village and inviting students to spend time together. There is a huge modern-style fire pit, fountains, and stage area. Restored posts from RIT’s original downtown campus are a nod to local community connections and the inclusiveness of the term “global”.
Ingerick and Kelley agree, “Most projects are stressful but we had so much fun with Global Village.” It shows. Walking through Global Village you feel as if you’ve entered a bustling urban community.
It’s the place to be.