Improvements in Talley Student Union’s technology and sustainability have been on the rise since the start of the building’s renovations in 2013. The overall renovation project, which began with the transformation of Harrelson Hall into the temporary bookstore in 2011, is being helped along by Duda/Paine Architects, LLP, the Durham-based lead design firm for the project.
Talley currently has a LEED Silver certification, which is based off of a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. As stated on the Campus Enterprises website, there will be a 50,000-gallon cistern that will harvest rainwater for irrigation, according to Campus Enterprises. Green roofs will be built that reduce “heat island” effect, an occurrence where urban regions become warmer than their rural surroundings.
“I think that the fact Talley student center is built environmentally friendly is really cool and I can’t wait to see the new side of it,” said Li-Yuan Chen, a freshman studying engineering.
According to Paige Johnson, a multi-media technician with campus enterprises facilities operations, Talley’s lights are programmed to be dimmer during certain times of the day in order to save energy. With this theme of sustainability in mind, Johnson notes that Talley composts as well. With NC State’s participation in the Recycle Mania Tournament, the university will be “competing against other schools,” said Johnson.
Though the overall renovations are not yet finished in Talley, there are still many resources available to students right now. According to Johnson, there are collaborative stations on Talley’s fourth floor that do not need to be reserved for students to use them. On a smaller scale, there are also more charging outlets throughout Talley.
“I love how they have engineered the building in different parts. The One Earth is a perfect place for studying and eating while the Jason’s Deli part has a good atmosphere for games. The technology is amazing,” said Morgan Sanchez, a junior studying civil engineering.
Johnson also states that these stations are equipped with monitors and HDMI cables for students to connect laptops, mobile phones or other electronics. According to campus enterprises, there will be interactive touchscreen kiosks on floors two through five which will provide building and campus information.
“It’s for you – It’s built for you,” said Johnson in reference to students.
Talley will have a larger grand ballroom consisting of five different rooms, as well as a separate 4140-Governance Chamber that is equipped with microphones and used for conferences. According to Johnson, all of these conference rooms have projectors and podiums.
Additional sources for students include the gaming area next to Talley Market, the large TVs on the adjacent wall and the TV on the outside of Talley facing its lawn. According to Johnson, these technologies allow students to still watch sports matches if they couldn’t make it to the game or if they don’t have other ways of watching. Multiple games can also be shown at once on the various TVs.
“What you see now, there will be more of,” said Johnson.
The construction of the new bookstore in Talley can be partially seen beside the Port City Java area. Near these construction sites, there are maps posted that show what Talley’s layout will look like, including the new bookstore.
“The maps show what you can’t see,” said Johnson.
According to Johnson, the Talley bookstore will have two floors instead of the single floor like Harrelson Hall and will have more space.
The project is running on a budget of $120 million, according to campus enterprises. Funding has come from student fees, rental revenue from retail operations and other sources; the student fees are phased in over several years and is capped at $290 per year, according to the site.
According to Johnson, the Talley renovations may be finished by this upcoming April, marking the completion of the four-year project.
