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Louisiana State University's decision to convert an elegant classical gymnasium into a place where athletes can study produced the best of both worlds: a proud, traditional structure in a prominent location on campus, replete with sleek, modern, inspiring places. Architect Victor Trahan III, FAIA, transformed the gym into study space with originality, skill, and sensitivity to the purpose of a university, designing simple interiors that are almost monastic in character.
Rehabilitating an older structure produced other happy side effects, such as interior spaces that are larger than they would have been if the building had been designed from scratch. "Because we were restoring and renovating a large building," Trahan explains, "the owner made the decision to utilize more space than would have been considered for a new facility, so we made allowances from the start for growth in the number of users."
But there was a downside to working with an older building. "We would have likely designed a different entrance from the two entry points of the historical structure," Trahan admits. "Because we were restoring an historical building, there were certain restrictions and conditions that were dictated in terms of volumes."
Trahan is happiest with student response to the center and the fact that "we were able to restore one of the most historical buildings on the LSU campus to its original mission, that of being a vibrant gathering place. I also like that we were able to make a successful transition from historic to modern, using clean detailing and natural materials."
Jade Jenkins, assistant director of the Cox Center, says that the building has become something of an icon. "It serves as a huge recruiting tool when students come on campus," she says, adding that when recruits return as actual students, they begin to appreciate the center even more.
LSU student John Pourciau, for one, likes "the way the historical exterior...