Fourth Annual Excellence Awards
New studio technology - Non-broadcast nominee

The design firm Jova/Daniels/Busby of Atlanta was hired to rethink the structure and how a new generation of students would learn, work and create.

The solution involved a complete interior renovation and a 4700sq ft addition of two television studios for a total of 38,500sq ft — almost double its previous space. As the team began to define the spaces, one aspect of the renovation became clear — the new interior would have to provide an engaging and active environment to address the needs of the future. Research shows that this new generation of students is accustomed to multiple sources of information all at once. The digital age has created a student body very different from their predecessors.

To provide a conducive environment, the designers used color and spatial elements to integrate the newest in teaching technology. Hallways are designed in a way that casual conversations can happen along the main axis of all three floors. Comfortable seating and dramatic lighting are used to bring students and faculty together in an informal setting.

The top floor includes an executive conference room that looks down on the first-floor broadcasting studios. McEwen’s main floor houses Elon’s two broadcast studios, one with a professional-quality news set and the other constructed to provide the flexibility to produce sports shows, game shows, talk shows and musical events. Studios, control rooms and editing suites are available to students and maintained by a full-time engineer. A computer lab on this floor provides students with a high-tech connection to digital information. Plasma screens, data projectors and desktops are also available.

On the lower level of McEwen, the editing suite houses DVD and video production. Editing suites with media software and equipment give young directors the tools necessary to hone their craft. Digital cameras and recording equipment are also available for students to check out.