UNITI Cultural Center at SUNY Stony Brook Named for Excellence in Educational Interior & Facility Planning

UNITI Cultural Center (UCC) at The State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook has been named for its innovative design features in the Student Center / Service Area category of the 2022 Educational Interiors Showcase. Hosted annually in American School & University, the competition is marking its 32nd year of honoring excellence in educational interior and facility planning across today’s most effective learning environments.    

“The goal for UNITI – established as the United Nationalities in Transcending Ideologies – Cultural Center was to create an open, welcoming space that promoted inclusivity, engagement and a sense of unity among today’s dynamic multicultural campus population, from students to faculty and staff,” said DIG Principal and CEO Jeffrey Venezia, AIA. “To achieve this custom integrated effect, our team immersed themselves in capturing the essence of multicultural vibrancy, from texture and textile designs, weaving and basket making to elements associated with international festivals, celebrations and ethnic food trucks.”

The center, which opened in October, 2021 in expanded space within the new student union, was conceptualized to convey cultural diversity, inclusion and equity. In addition to its carefully curated vibrant mix of multicultural-inspired organic structures, furniture, finishes and graphics, the UCC features prominent wall graphics highlighting people of color and meaningful quotes.

“The UCC is more than community space in which students, faculty, and staff relax, study and enjoy dynamic cultural programs,” added Venezia. “It is a safe, welcoming haven for about 100 cultural clubs and organizations where people of all walks of life gather to address a variety of contemporary social issues and advance mutual understanding. The center’s multi-use spaces are all unified by a ceiling-mounted illuminated red ribbon that symbolizes the thread that connects us all, as well as the celebration of what makes us unique and different.”

Occupying almost 4,000 SF, the UCC has a multipurpose lounge, study booths, spacious conference and meeting rooms and a group study area. Entry is through a sleek, all-glass façade leading to a welcome desk and central lounge area with flexible seating. There also is a quiet reflection corner tucked beyond the lively inner core.