Education
Rochester Hills, MI
86,300 sq ft
3 floors

Furnishings
Space Planning
Finishes

Blu Dot Note Table
Coalesse Marien152 Chair & Stool
Steelcase Move Chair
Steelcase Verb Table
Steelcase Currency Table
Steelcase Campfire Lounge
Steelcase Campfire Personal Table
Steelcase B-Free High Table
Viccarbe Maarten Chair
SitOnIt Pasea Lounge
JSI Caav Lounge Pod

Oakland University: South Foundation Hall

A Modern and Sustainable Learning Environment 

Oakland University’s (OU) South Foundation Hall has undergone a stunning transformation into a state-of-the-art learning hub for a new generation of students. NBS worked closely with the university and the architectural firm Stantec, to bring their vision to life. The new space showcases their commitment to creating a modern, sustainable, inspiring, and functional environment that enables impactful learning and teaching.

The five-year, multimillion-dollar project completely revitalized the original anchor classroom building, expanding it with a new third floor and an additional 30,000 square feet of usable space. The addition included new classrooms along with collaborative study and lounge areas.

NBS was selected due to our long-standing partnership with OU, along with our competitive pricing and extensive experience in the education market. The first goal was to refresh the building’s aesthetic while honoring OU’s brand identity. The university’s black and gold school colors are reflected in seating and wallcoverings, offset by soft blues and muted greys. The overall effect is fresh, contemporary, and comfortable, creating a welcoming environment for learners.

Throughout the space, functionality meets design. NBS equipped the classrooms with mobile furnishings to support a variety of teaching styles and enable collaboration or individual work, with both seated and standing options to accommodate student preferences. Technology upgrades, whiteboards, and access to natural light enhance the learning experience and productivity.

In the first-floor lounge, a two-story sculptural light fixture acts as a show stopping focal point. Transitional spaces and lounge areas offer a diverse range of seating options, from tables and chairs for meeting or studying to soft lounge seating, semi-enclosed options for focused tasks, and large ottomans.

Sustainability was also a primary goal. To support the university’s pursuit of LEED certification, NBS provided detailed documentation on furniture materials, chemical content, and recycled content.

By combining thoughtful design and sustainable, adaptable furnishings, NBS helped Oakland University create a space that will serve generations of students and staff. South Foundation Hall is now a vibrant, modern environment that reflects the university’s vision for the future of education.

As stated in an article in the Oakland University News, “The design of this building evokes a learning environment that transcends classrooms and inspires students to make connections among ideas, possibilities and the trends that will shape the future. The final result is truly a stunning and inspiring building, a work of art.” – Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, Oakland University President

Learn more about Oakland University: oakland.edu/

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