Northwestern Community Life Commons: Structural Engineering for Campus Life

Project Overview

BKBM Engineers delivered structural engineering services for an 80,000-square-foot campus hub facility, designed as the central gathering point of the NWC campus in Minnesota. The new two-story structure provides vital services and community spaces for traditional and non-traditional students, faculty, and staff—supporting faith, learning, and living integration. As a trusted structural engineering firm for educational facilities, BKBM ensured the building’s strength, adaptability, and long-term value for campus life.

Project Drivers: Values & Vision

This project was driven by the goal of unifying the campus community through architecture. The client’s vision centered on providing accessible, flexible spaces that promote meaningful engagement and support the holistic integration of faith and learning for all campus stakeholders.

 

Key Challenges & BKBM Solutions

  • Hybrid Framing Solutions: The building utilized a combination of steel bar joists, glulam beams, and light gage metal trusses for the roof, allowing open, flexible spaces and aesthetic appeal.
  • Precast Plank Floor System: A precast plank floor provided durability and long-span capabilities for heavy traffic areas and multipurpose use.
  • Masonry Bearing Walls: Engineered exterior masonry walls ensured stability, energy performance, and long-term weather resistance, forming a robust backbone for the facility.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

BKBM partnered closely with campus leaders, architects, and construction teams throughout the design and construction process, ensuring the facility’s engineering partnership reflected the community’s culture and evolving needs.

Cultural Heritage & Environmental Stewardship

The new campus hub emphasizes environmental stewardship with durable, energy-efficient structural systems and supports the enduring mission of faith-based education in Minnesota.

Results & Impact

  • The facility delivers:
    • A dynamic, central gathering place for the NWC campus
    • Strength and flexibility through hybrid structural systems
    • Sustainable, accessible spaces for long-lasting campus enrichment