Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center at Washington State University

The award-winning Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center pays a contemporary tribute to the Nez Perce people who lived on the Palouse while it celebrates the diversity of WSU’s student body. The LEED Gold-certified building is showcased at the entrance to campus and overlooks the nearby rolling hills. The sinuous structure is constructed with exposed Port Orford Cedar glulam girder beams which represent the Nez Perce basket weaving tradition. The free-form roof shape evokes the natural fall colors and shape of the undulating Palouse. Exposed board-formed concrete and native iron-rich basalt are used to harmoniously integrate the building with the natural landscape. This iconic building embraces the legacy of a past president, the heritage of a people, and the future of a diverse community with the common goal of bettering oneself through culture and education.