ASU Media and Immersive eXperience Center

There is no other facility like the ASU MIX Center in the nation. More than a university building, it is a timely project exemplifying the power of public education to spark economic vitality and human connection through storytelling. It replaced car-centric thinking toward a reduced-carbon future within a healthy, resilient, and equitable environment in the heart of a previously inactive downtown core.
In 2012, the City of Mesa sought to capture ASU’s signature vitality on their home turf. As one of few local municipalities to embrace mass transit, Mesa offered a prime site along the Light Rail, effectively linking exponential learning opportunities for local and global students without the need for an automobile.

The resulting program houses The Sidney Poitier New American Film School’s production and post-production programs, a vibrant “back-lot” outdoor gathering space, digital media, world-building, and experience design for ASU’s Design, Engineering, and Global Futures programs. The large-volume spaces offer an unprecedented array of tools and technologies for students from all backgrounds and abilities, located directly adjacent to partner institutions: The Arts Center, Public Library, CoM Entrepreneurial Hub, and a revitalized Main Street.

Within the existing mid-century campus, the building nestles in to create shaded walkways, with reflective, insulating terracotta panels, housing spaces of contrast: light/dark, solid/void, quiet/loud, with flexible, socially inclusive spaces connected to open-air paths for public use. The theater volume greets visitors from the west, revealing the “presenting” program; the long, porous volume to the east contains the “making” program with studios and workshops; while the public-facing “celebrating” program provides a high density display facing the park for free sharing of cinematographic work created within, while sourcing renewable energy, retention through bioswales, shade trees and a new city park. Since opening, it’s Mesa’s most populated public place throughout the year, at both day and night.