In conjunction with the efforts at Gateway Church – Southlake Campus Expansion, Parkhill has developed a concept for their affiliated university called The King’s University, a private Evangelical Christian institution and seminary. This 25-acre campus is being built from the ground up on a greenfield site. Like the Gateway projects in Southlake, Dallas, Frisco and Prosper, the design team worked collaboratively at a quick pace to get the design work completed.
The client challenged Parkhill to create a project that has a contemporary feel and timeless look that will be sustainable and admired for years to come. The design incorporates design features similar to projects across the country and abroad. The project will be completed in multiple phases and includes an Academic and Administration Building, Learning Commons, Student Housing and intentional use of outdoor spaces.
Key features of the Academic and Administration Building include a multi-story commons space with a north-facing glass facade, connectivity to the campus in and throughout the building, floor plates that work with the sloping site, and simple geometry and a sleek material palette.
Similar in design expression to the Academic Building, the Learning Commons also includes multi-story commons areas along with smaller spaces for group and individual study. The L-shaped building was designed to provide the opportunity for full build-out over two phases. The student commons is located at the “hinge” between two wings with south-facing outdoor plaza deck. The layout creates a view of the multi-story commons areas and stacks. Group and individual study areas are located on the second floor. A sizeable south-facing covered “porch” opens along the axis with a view of a centralized pavilion and monument.