Period
2018
Florida Southern College: France Family Admissions Center
Location
Lakeland, Florida
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The France Family Admissions Center at Florida Southern College represents a new chapter in the college’s architectural legacy. Since the late 1930s, when Dr. Ludd Spivey enlisted Frank Lloyd Wright to design the campus’s west side, the college has used bold architectural statements to elevate its regional and national profile. Dr. Ann Kerr, the previous college president kept this tradition alive with the design of the France Family Admissions Center. Dr. Kerr worked tirelessly to restore Wright’s iconic campus while introducing new structures that honor this heritage. Recognizing the importance of architecture in attracting students, she spearheaded the concept for a new Admissions Building. The design blended the styles of both Frank Lloyd Wright and Robert A.M. Stern creating an opportunity to merge historical reverence with forward-thinking design.
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
The vision for the Admissions Center required a deep understanding of the college’s architectural history and its unique place within the campus. MCWB delved into Wright’s foundational principles to create a structure that would harmonize with its surroundings while remaining distinct. The site, overlooking Lake Hollingsworth and surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, informed key elements of the design. The team analyzed Wright’s human-scaled designs, incorporating horizontal lines that reflect critical architectural dimensions such as floor and ceiling heights, seamlessly unifying form and function.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
MCWB’s design process focused on creating a building that serves as both a welcoming gateway and a modern landmark. The sweeping roof, reminiscent of an entry portal, directs visitors’ gaze toward the lake and floods the interior with natural light. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding oak trees, the façade incorporates a striking latticework of metal and stucco, weaving natural textures into the building’s contemporary form. Interior spaces balance intimacy and openness, ensuring that both private counseling areas and large gathering spaces embody warmth and accessibility.
CONSTRUCTION
Bringing this design to life required precision and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the concept. The building’s human-scaled proportions were meticulously realized, with horizontal lines extending through every element, from the façade to interior furnishings. Materials were selected to blend durability with aesthetic appeal, ensuring the building could withstand the test of time while complementing its environment. Today, the France Family Admissions Center stands as a new landmark in a city known for its architectural treasures, providing a powerful and memorable first impression for prospective students and families.
