The Lory Student Center at CSU

Colorado State University (CSU) completed a major renovation of the Lory Student Center using View Smart Windows to connect the campus community with panoramic views of the nearby Rocky Mountains and to create a more flexible, energy-efficient space.


  • Enables flexible use of space with complete control of the facade
  • Boosts demand and rental income for event space
  • Maintains views of the spectacular mountain range
  • Maximizes usable floor area by providing greater thermal comfort
  • Enhances the building aesthetically inside and out
  • Location
    Fort Collins, CO
  • Architect
    Perkins + Will
  • General Contractor
    Saunders Construction, Inc

Over 20,000 people pass through the Lory Student Center (LSC) every day, making the more than 50-year-old building one of the busiest locations in northern Colorado. The LSC is the hub of activity on campus for students, faculty and staff; it houses student services, dining facilities, stores, meeting rooms, ballrooms, art galleries and a theater.

To keep up with the needs of a growing student body, attract new students and address an aging HVAC system, CSU renovated the 160,000 SF structure and added nearly 70,000 square feet to the center. The university’s goal was to create a flexible-use space, improve energy performance and keep people connected to the outside vistas, which include a lagoon, outdoor amphitheater, sculpture garden and the Rocky Mountains.

The architecture firm of Perkins + Will designed a modern, multi-use building that includes almost 3,000 square feet of View Smart Windows.

When the renovated student center held its grand opening in January 2015, the campus community stepped into an ultra-modern space with floor-to-ceiling intelligent windows in the ballroom, dining areas, student lounges and other shared areas.

During the daytime, the west-facing side of the building receives direct sunlight 40 percent of the time—about 2,000 hours annually. With View Smart Windows, students and faculty can enjoy the natural light without the downsides of heat and glare.

The architect designed moveable walls in the ballroom to accommodate multiple events simultaneously. View Smart Windows improve the use of the flexible floor space because people can sit comfortably next to the ballroom windows. Building staff can adjust the glass tint to suit people’s needs or allow the glass to tint predicatively. “The adaptive technology of the glass allows the room to moderate itself,” according to CSU Event Services.