A Love Letter to the U of A: Laura Vertes Designs the Wildcat Welcome Center
For many, the journey to becoming a Wildcat begins before they ever set foot in a classroom. It might start with a campus tour, a conversation with a student ambassador or a glimpse of Old Main. The Wildcat Welcome Center opened on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and has officially become a cornerstone of that experience.
Designed by Laura Vertes, B.Arch ‘03 and principal at Swaim Associates, the new center is intended to give prospective students and their families a sense of the university from the moment they enter. Vertes served as architect of record, leading the architectural and interior design efforts alongside project architect Crista Mapes, B.Arch ‘12.
“As a University of Arizona alumni, designing this space was an honor and a chance to bring to life the Wildcat experience that shaped my life,” Vertes said. “I consider the design a love letter to my alma mater and Tucson.”
That connection to the U of A shaped the project in ways that went beyond the choice of colors or imagery. For Vertes, designing the center meant thinking about the intangible qualities that make a university feel like home and translating those into a physical experience.
“Each space was designed to serve a distinct purpose and evoke its own atmosphere, while still feeling connected to the larger visitor journey,” Vertes said. “We carefully selected finishes, materials and graphics to support the specific function of each area, creating moments that feel unique without losing the cohesive thread that ties the entire experience together.”
The design begins outside, with an entrance off the Student Union. Framed in Wildcat red and blue, the entrance marks a transition from the energy of the Student Union into a more focused environment dedicated to discovering the university. Inside, warm wood tones establish areas for presentation and exploration, while Arizona red appears in ceilings and millwork to subtly guide visitors through the space.
At the center of the experience is the Den, where the design turns toward the landscape that surrounds the university. Graphics inspired by Tucson’s desert and mountain ranges give the space a strong sense of place, connecting the university’s identity to the city it calls home. Other graphics bring campus traditions into the experience, with imagery of Old Main, Wilbur and Wilma helping visitors begin to recognize some of the people, places and symbols they will encounter as they explore campus.
“We envisioned the space as a progression through a series of portals that immerse visitors in the traditions, culture and spirit of the University of Arizona,” Vertes said.
One of the more playful aspects of the project came from looking closely at what happens after visitors leave the Wildcat Welcome Center.
“Early in the design process, Crista and I joined a campus tour and came away inspired to incorporate small easter eggs throughout the space that foreshadow the tour experience,” Vertes said.
One example is in the Den, where subtle graphics incorporate the Wildcat logo and the University of Arizona fight song. There, they are referencing part of the campus tours where student ambassadors lead groups in a sing-along on the steps of Bear Down Gym. Instead of simply explaining campus traditions, the design gives visitors an early glimpse of them, creating a sense of anticipation for what comes next.
Her vision for the space focused on giving students a feeling for the breadth of possibilities ahead of them. A visit to the Wildcat Welcome Center might be the moment when a prospective student begins imagining themselves at Arizona, discovering interests, meeting people and becoming part of the community.
“I hope new and prospective students catch a glimpse of everything that makes the Arizona experience so special: the excitement of a McKale Center starting lineup announcement, the wonder of discovery across countless academic and research paths, the lifelong friendships forged in classrooms and residence halls and the warmth of finding a home in the Tucson community,” Vertes said.
That idea of belonging is ultimately at the heart of what Vertes hopes the building communicates.
“I hope they leave with a quiet confidence that they have found the right place to grow, belong and thrive,” Vertes said.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect/Interior Design: Swaim Associates, Ltd.
Structural Engineer: Martin White & Griffis Structural Engineers
Mechanical/Electrical Engineer: Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Graphic Designer: Designery Co.
Muralist: Jessica Gonzalez
AV Design: APIC Solutions
Furniture: Goodmans
Contractor: Concord General Contracting
Graphics Installation: Airpark Signs & Graphics
