Metropolitan State University hired Neoera to conduct space planning exercises intended to maximize FTE for the departmental staff in the SSB (now JSSB). Outlining student retention as the ultimate goal, the original scope included programming for key administrative departments to better suit efficient work flows. This was thought to offer students a better support system and thus help maintain and increase enrollment. To engage stakeholders, Neoera designed a Programming Questionnaire which asked fundamental questions of purpose, efficiency and community. As we gathered this Programming information through a 1 week process of interviewing each SSB department and relevant University groups, we uncovered an overwhelming recurring theme of students’ need for dedicated space. We learned the typical Metro State University student is a commuter, has a full or part-time job, and stacks their classes for efficiency. While students have pride in their institution, the MSU campus had virtually no dedicated student spaces. The institution lacked the identity and space to encourage community, comfort and collaboration among students. This discovery led us to create a report recommending an alternative approach to the project. We recommended a hybrid solution which included some administrative office re-programming yet focused the renovations on experiential public space for MSU Denver students. We outlined 6 under-utilized locations on Levels 1 and 2 to be dedicated to students. The building entry was redesigned to incorporate a welcome area for potential, new and existing students. We found areas on each floor that were vacant and converted them into activated areas under stairs, colorful "chill" niches for students to relax and study between classes, and even transformed a vacant, highly visible corner of the building into MSU Denver's first student lounge, complete with a TV, study tables, lounge chairs, fireplace and custom LED signage of showcasing their beloved mascot, Rowdy, the Roadrunner.