Fahy Commons at Muhlenberg College

The Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation at Muhlenberg College opened to the public at the start of 2023, and as the first newly constructed building on campus in over a decade, it was worth the wait. The three-story environmentally sustainable building features more than 20,000 square feet of expansive student programming, art studio, and academic space. The college’s key programs will grow and flourish in this expansion of the campus where connection and innovation is prioritized among the faculty, students, and wider community.

Our interior design team partnered with Architect Re:Vision to bring Muhlenberg’s commitment to innovative thinking to life. Through the meticulous selection and installation of furniture throughout Fahy Commons, the result was furniture that was comfortable and functional, as well as inspired meaningful learning. Muhlenberg’s capital projects team desired for the new building to feel like an outdoor space indoors, and this was captured in attractive earth toned materials to compliment the warm, natural aesthetic. Flexibility, ergonomics, and durability were also crucial considerations that guided the selection process to ensure a cost-effective investment that would withstand the demands of daily use.

The Fahy Commons building symbolizes Muhlenberg’s deep commitment to sustainability, being the first project in the world to achieve International Living Future Institute’s Core Green Building Certification. It met rigorous standards for the built environment and has also achieved LEED Platinum certification. To qualify for these programs, officials had to document the entire building process, including materials and furniture. Therefore, sustainable materials and manufacturing processes were prioritized throughout the design process to ensure the audits were successful.