The Big Idea Center is an adaptive reuse of a former bookstore, re-imagined as a prominent beacon for entrepreneurship within the Pitt community and a unique venue for public gatherings and events. The project is strategically situated amongst vibrant amenities in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Innovation District,” a hub for research, talent, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The design includes a variety of meeting and open collaborative spaces co-located with Saxbys, a student-run café. The main level serves as a public gathering space for passersby to visit the café or engage with the Center’s programs, while the lower level provides private space for Pitt students to have an authentic entrepreneurial incubator experience. Flexible working modalities are provided through movable furniture, accessible technology, and privacy options accommodating groups of varying scale and typology.

From the outset, the primary design challenge for the 7,000 square-foot space was to create a cohesive multistory design that promoted connectivity and occupant wellness. By embracing an open, flexible floor plan, the design draws natural light from large existing windows deep into the interior, creating a bright and welcoming environment. A bold new lightwell cut through the building provides a pathway for daylight to permeate the lower-level student spaces. The project team thoughtfully integrated a limited material palette with new walls, flooring, and ceilings installed in a fashion that was essential to support the overall program.