FIU’s New Bookstore Design Reflects The Spirit Of Miami

Ariana Rodriguez/Staff Writer

A few months ago, the Barnes and Noble at the Modesto Maidique Campus sported blue and gold to reflect our University’s colors. During the summer, Barnes and Noble was remodeled and the blues and golds turned into a spectrum of colors that reflect FIU’s colorful spirit.

The new design is colorful and akin to the colors of Miami Vice, and the second floor has artwork made by students. The students can feel like they’re in a local Miami coffee shop on the second floor. Because our university has such a positive atmosphere, these newer hues represent what FIU really is.

These remind me of the culture of Miami and the positive side of being a college student. The classic blue and gold are nice and all, but as a constant reminder that we’re in the University, they can become overwhelming. Barnes and Noble’s new look take us away from that thought.

FIU also chose one of the top interior designers – Antunovich Associates, which has offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles – put together the new Barnes and Noble. This shows how much the university cares for its student body, and soon enough, the bookstore should feel more accommodating to students.

Part of the renovation plan includes a performance area for students, where they’ll have the chance to express themselves through open mics and live music. Long study sessions can be aided by Cuban coffee and pastries from La Ventanita, a walk-up window that will surely give positive connotionations of culture Miami culture when it opens soon.

A University should be a place to find more of your interests and hone every part of yourself. FIU has continuously given students neat study spaces and hangout spots, and it almost feels like something is being renovated yearly to adjust to the students’ wants and needs. In this way, FIU has consistently reflected the interests of its student body.

The new design of Barnes and Noble may simply look like something new and different, but it’s a lot more than that. It gives comfort and new air to the students, and it’s changed just to give us a better experience.

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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.