Clemson University Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center

Clemson, South Carolina, USA

Situated near Lake Hartwell and adjacent to the John E. Walker Sr. Golf Course, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center stands as a bold new gateway to Clemson University. The five-story, 98,000-square-foot facility is designed to welcome over 160,000 visitors annually, serving as a vibrant hub for prospective students, alumni and the broader Clemson community. 

The Center’s design reflects Clemson’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and tradition. The facade blends mass timber and modern framing to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The exposed timber core rises through a double-height atrium, anchoring the building’s central lobby and reinforcing Clemson’s ties to its forestry and agricultural heritage. 

The project features a variety of Kawneer’s architectural aluminum systems, including our Trifab® VersaGlaze® 451 Framing System, 1620 Curtain Wall System and 500T Insulpour® Thermal Entrances. The 1620 Curtain Wall System is a sleek, thermally efficient solution that is ideal for mid-rise applications and provides a clean, monolithic appearance with concealed fasteners and integrated entrance framing. Its slim sightlines and durable construction complement the building’s modern yet timeless design. 

Engineered for heavy traffic and high-use environments, Kawneer’s 500T Insulpour® Thermal Entrances offer performance and seamless integration, ensuring durability and ease of access throughout the facility. Meanwhile, the versatile Trifab® VersaGlaze® 451 Framing System enhances the building’s ground-level transparency and accessibility, contributing to a welcoming arrival experience while maintaining thermal performance and structural integrity. 

The Center incorporates smart electrochromic glass, which auto-tints based on sunlight and time of day, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Inside, the building houses key university departments, including Admissions, Alumni Relations, Career Services and the Clemson University Foundation. It features interactive exhibits, event spaces, rooftop terraces and the Lucky Duck Bistro, creating a dynamic environment for engagement, celebration and connection. 

The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center is more than a building; it stands as a symbol of Clemson pride, philanthropy and forward-thinking architectural design. 

ARCHITECTS: Cooper Carry, Atlanta, GA
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville, SC
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: Graham-Hodge Associates, Inc., Greenville, SC

Photography: © B. Knox Photography