Rolluda Architects, in collaboration with the Washington State University design team, provided comprehensive programming services to identify, summarize, and document the programmatic and facility needs for the university's new Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. Over several months, the joint programming team and the WSU Steering Committee engaged in a deeply collaborative process, conducting immersive campus tours, stakeholder interviews, interactive programming workshops, and community presentations.

​

Through this intensive engagement, a clear vision emerged to design an iconic campus gateway that serves as a powerful symbol of inclusivity. The resulting facility was conceptualized as a transformative space where individuals of intersectional identities can connect, create, collaborate, and share, ultimately manifesting the true essence of “Cougar Culture.” The building is intended to shift paradigms and elevate expectations of the traditional campus experience at Washington State University.

To ground this vision in reality, the programming team meticulously researched, mined, and gathered critical feedback from the broader university community. The team synthesized volumes of interview minutes, workshop diagrams, meeting notes, and audio recordings into a cohesive, actionable programming document. This final text serves as a definitive roadmap, intentionally designed to honor and convey the shared mission, goals, and objectives of the WSU faculty, staff, students, and Steering Committee.

​

“The Multicultural Building is envisioned to be a much-visited hub for the University’s Diversity Education programs, visitor orientation, and special cultural events. The facility will position WSU to capitalize on its rapidly growing diverse student/faculty/staff populations and celebrate the rich environment all visitors can expect to encounter when entering the campus.”

- Kelly Keane, WSU PM