NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT
(INTERIOR + CONTROL INNOVATION)
Designer: Steve Gollehon (Morrissey Engineering), Toby Samuelson (Morrissey Engineering), Kristine Dorn (BVH Architecture),
Photographer: Tom Kessler
The Willa Cather Dining Complex replaces an existing dining facility on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus with a new dining center and adjoining event center. The design is centered on three principles: create an open interactive environment that maximizes opportunities to make connections, foster friendships, and build community. Motion became the primary design concept for the pre-function and event center. Layouts are staggered with a theatrical control system creating additional motion via programming of custom shows. The control system was also designed for lights in each space to act as a sound equalizer through the audio system, fully choreographed to any desired music responding to volume and frequency.
