Fort Hays State University Center for Art & Design

Hays, Kansas

Fort Hays State University’s campus is steeped in history, characterized by its rural charm and iconic limestone-clad buildings. The Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design sought to honor this rich heritage while introducing a modern touch, seamlessly blending into the campus’s contextual language. The two-story, 43,000 sq. ft. facility was guided by a vision to create a community hub for art and design. 

Drawing inspiration from the campus’s architectural patterns, the exterior façade echoed nearby gabled roofs, window patterns, and materials while incorporating contemporary elements. Inside, the layout was carefully crafted to foster collaboration and creativity, with a central atrium serving as the heart of the building. At the core of the Center’s design was the desire to cultivate a thriving arts community. The double-height atrium connects the two classroom wings and creates opportunities to create and display art throughout. Floor-to-ceiling glazing along the central atrium showcases learning in action, encouraging the sharing of ideas and sparking interdisciplinary collaboration.