The COUNTRY Insurance and Financial Services Atrium serves as the central core for the College of Business community.
Easily the most popular spot in the building, it was designed to reflect the modern, strategic focus of Corporate America. Those entering the building are greeted by a six storey, 1,000-plus square foot open area.
A five-storey glass wall fills the area with natural light and offers a view of the courtyard. Two staircases lead from the main entrances to the lower level student lounge/study area. Artist Gary Justis was selected to create the artwork for the Atrium space as part of the Illinois Capital Development Board's “Art in Architecture” program. Justis named the artwork “World Engine (pdf).”
The Atrium also serves as the crossroads between the classroom wing and the faculty/administrative wing of the building. Here students interact with each other, faculty members, and visitors to the college. Always full of activity, The Atrium is home to team projects, study sessions, lunch and meetings from morning until late at night.
Food service and vending machines are available and adjacent to the student lounge/study area located on the lower level of the atrium. There are also nearby ATM, copy machine, and walk-up e-mail terminals for student use. There are numerous data and power points available in the atrium including wireless access.
