New Social Hub Opens on Centennial Campus

As you make your way down Main Campus Drive, you will notice a colorful addition to the landscape of Centennial Campus. The Corner is a new shared space designed as a social hub to bring the campus community together for creative collisions.

The Corner is an open-air space anchored by four repurposed shipping containers. Offering unique outdoor seating and gathering space, it’s an intersection of workplace, classroom, lab and lunch spots. Centennial Campus is home to a diverse population of NC State students, faculty and staff, industry partners and visitors from the surrounding Raleigh community. The Corner welcomes all of these groups to the heart of campus.

Emphasizing NC State’s commitment to sustainability, the Corner features materials all repurposed from previous uses — including picnic tables, pavers and the shipping containers. The tables were made from reclaimed wood from campus trees at the end of their life cycle. It is also a low-waste area, encouraging visitors to take out what they bring in.

Use of the Corner’s first-come, first-served seating and space is welcome and encouraged. Container space — and even the whole lawn — is available to reserve for meetings and events. The brightly colored shipping containers and twinkling string lights provide a unique setting for activations and gatherings on Centennial Campus.

“Community programming helps make Centennial Campus a vibrant destination, not only for NC State, but for all Triangle residents,” says Jude DesNoyer, activation and outreach manager for University Real Estate and Development. “This project is an example of NC State’s commitment to creating spaces that encourage all members of the campus community to engage and connect.”

Whether you are looking for a spot to eat lunch, somewhere to work in the fresh air and sunshine, or just somewhere to relax with friends and colleagues — the Corner is for you.

NC State is hosting several events and activities this fall to welcome the community, including food truck rodeos, live music and more.

Learn more about visiting the Corner and reserving space.

This post was originally published in NC State News.