Paragon 360 revitalises Evangel's student union

In the autumn of 2022, Evangel University was ready to breathe new life into its student union. The project involved an upgrade to its audio, video, lighting, custom fabrication, acoustics and theming. Evangel University is a private Christian university and seminary located in Paragon 360’s hometown of Springfield, Missouri, so it only felt right that Paragon 360 took on the project, from design to delivery. Evangel University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, also headquartered in Springfield. The campus sits on 100 acres, serving over 1,500 students.

Evangel wanted to revitalise the student union space to make it more inviting, welcoming, and full of energy. It required a space that students would want to gather, socialise, eat and do homework. Paragon’s design incorporates the school’s branding and mission statement while creating a whole new experience in the space. The columns are painted and wrapped with vinyl inspiration, with the entryway highlighting student life and activities with printed and illuminated acoustical work, which helps to dampen excessive noises. Display cases are also themed with illuminated graphics. Paragon fabricated a large shield depicting part of the university’s logo to hang as a custom light feature against an existing skylight.

An illuminated “Barracks” sign anchors the coffee shop, and multiple custom aluminium ceiling clouds add to the space’s look and feel. Additionally, new digital signage units are installed on both floors of the building with a giant 98-inch screen in the sitting area downstairs in the Barracks.

Upstairs is an illuminated mascot etched into acrylic with VALOR graphics on the rail. The digital menus next to the cafeteria are housed in custom branded “shields.” The upstairs lounge area includes a 1.9mm 13-inch x 8-inch Revelux StoryGlass LED wall with a small modular stage designed for speakers, performers, karaoke nights, sporting events and movie nights.

Evangel’s Student Union project is not the only place to see new upgrades. The entry of Riggs Hall now has custom fabricated and illuminated display cabinets featuring history and information about the university. Spence Chapel also has a nice upgrade with new 3.9mm Revelux StoryGlass LED walls, completely changing the space’s look, feel, and flexibility. The area now includes a 53-inch x 13-inch centre screen and two 180-inch x 10-inch side screens. Spence chapel also received LED lighting upgrades as part of the renovation.

“This project was a big focus on experiential design,” stated Donnie Brawner, owner and CEO of Paragon 360. “Our design team, led by Ron Robertson, focused on ‘what do students see, think, and feel’ when they encounter the space? Every touchpoint influences the way they feel about what you’re offering. It helps us shape these moments so that people walk away feeling good about your brand. When you add that to Paragon's ability to then theme it, integrate lighting and media, build it and install it all through one contractor, it becomes very efficient from a time and money standpoint."

Paragon 360 is currently working with the University on other new and upcoming projects.

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