UW-Eau Claire Centennial Hall

Eau Claire, WI

Whether it is quiet or noisy, solo or in a group, UW-Eau Claire’s Centennial Hall is an example of understanding that learning and collaboration environments aren’t a one-size-fits-all model.

Centrally located on campus, Centennial Hall offers a variety of choices for students’ day-to-day education in the first new building on campus since 1981.

For informal collaboration, living-room-like spaces are scattered around the four-story building, ranging from four-person nooks to a multi-story café. For traditional learning, Centennial Hall houses 22 new general assignment classrooms, ranging from 45 to 160 seats, while consolidating the College of Education and Human Sciences departments, previously split among three buildings dating back to the 1950s.

To illuminate different areas, the use of natural light is maximized throughout the 182,000 square feet. The “lantern” on the south end of the building offers stunning views of the campus and the Chippewa River. Windows are strategically placed to allow all public corridors outside views at the end.

Tall windows and bright multi-level spaces are consistent throughout, breaking up the brick and stone exterior complementing the campus’ oldest building: the circa-1916 Schofield Hall, which it faces from across the quad. The new building also blends harmoniously with the new Davies Student Center and venerable Schneider Hall.