Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, has opened the $166 million Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, which will serve as a hub for core studies in communications and humanities.
With a focus on visibility, connectivity and storytelling, the design of the 192,000-square-foot Martin Luther King, Jr. Center expresses the power of voice and community, the university says.
“Every student receiving a [Bowie State] education will pass through this building at some point in their curriculum,” said University President Aminta H. Breaux. “The cutting-edge tools and resources found here will elevate instruction of the liberal arts and enable students to find their own voice and develop skills to navigate real-world challenges in their future careers.”
Dr. King’s own words will be a constant inspiration for students in the building. Abstract impressions of vocal sound waves from his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech are incorporated into the design of the façade and interior finishing of the main entrances echoing his call to have “the courage to face the uncertainties of the future.”
The center provides technology-rich learning environments for studies in communication and humanities disciplines. It will be home to several departments: Language, Literature and Cultural Studies; History and Government; Communications; and Military Science.
The facility has an array of specialized studios including two advanced television studios, streaming and podcasting studios, digital editing labs, custom-designed vocal recording booth and an advanced digital screening room. Spaces for developing writing and language studies are also available along with 18 flexible general classrooms and two 150-seat tiered classrooms.
A 1,500-seat auditorium designed for maximum flexibility can host a variety of campus and community events. Space to accommodate the university’s ROTC program includes a classroom dedicated to the future Army officers, a fitness center and an outdoor training plaza.
The 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III Alcove features a two-story likeness of Collins, who was killed by an act of hate in May 2017 a few days after his commissioning into the Army. It provides a space for collaboration and reflection where students and visitors can draw inspiration from his commitment to a life of service.
The architect is Perkins&Will and the construction manager is Whiting-Turner.
