Larsen Student Union

BKM provided MEP design services for the Larsen Student Union, which functioned as a multi-purpose performance space for student organization offices, radio station, and food-service venue for the Messiah College campus.

The flexible main space was comprised of a stage area, flexible seating, television-viewing wall, and balcony overlooking the main public space. This L-shaped building framed the campus commons, dining terrace, and outdoor performance space. A metal roof creates a dramatic vaulted interior as well as a canopy/backdrop for outdoor performances.

The building’s chilled water is generated by a new air-cooled screw chiller using 30 percent propylene glycol solution. Heated water is provided by two new gas-fired cast iron boilers, each sized at two-thirds capacity. The multi-purpose performance space also features an in-slab radiant floor heating system.