With more than 5,000 students on campus, Temple College required interiors that feel welcoming without compromising durability. Wilsonart surfaces offer durability and beauty while introducing warmth and biophilic character—supporting student comfort while withstanding the realities of high-traffic academic environments. Material continuity across lounges, corridors, and shared spaces in the Workforce & Visual Arts Building, and the college’s Main Building helped unify distinct buildings under a consistent visual language.

An approach centered on community and shared voices further shaped the design process. Amy Holzle of Stantec, the A&D firm on the project, noted that Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce emphasized the project’s importance to the surrounding community. In support of that vision, the team partnered with Temple-based Cloud Construction, reinforcing the project’s local roots and strengthening its connection to the community.

Across campus, Wilsonart materials were used to shape moments of experience—not just surfaces. Another collaborative part of the project, building user groups selected the products and tones used to match function to create tailored spaces.

Student cubbies provide private, inviting spaces for study and relaxation. Wrapped in Wilsonart River Cherry HPL (Fine Velvet Texture), the tactile woodgrain provides private, inviting spaces for study and relaxation. The tactile woodgrain enhances the student experience and withstands heavy use.

In the Workforce and Visual Arts Building, a feature walls and ceiling beams use Wilsonart River Cherry HPL, provide visual interest and warmth to the industrial space. These elements create distinctive, engaging spaces that define activity zones while maintaining design cohesion with other campus areas.

“We needed a material that could stand up to heavy daily use without losing its beauty. Wilsonart exceeded our expectations.”

— Andrea Reay, Stantec Project Architect & Interior Designer

Located in the main building, the student coffee lounge serves as a community hub where students gather, relax, and socialize. The space features Wilsonart Quartz countertops, combining durability with elegance, and integrates the warmth of Wilsonart Woodgrains HPL in surrounding cabinetry and surfaces to create a cohesive, welcoming environment.

As Temple College and Wilsonart celebrate milestone anniversaries in 2026, this partnership remains integral to their next chapter. From durable surfaces that elevate learning environments to philanthropic support that strengthens educational access, Wilsonart’s collaboration with Temple College demonstrates how design and community partnership can build not just better spaces but better connections.