Walking through the new and improved Danna Center has left many to wonder, “Whose idea was this?”

With new paint, television monitors, more food selections and new furniture, the Danna Center can best be described as “mod.”

Director of co-curricular programs Chris Cameron said architect Henry Muñoz of the Kell-Muñoz Firm first had the vision for the student activity center’s modernized look.

“Muñoz’s vision is to let the building be what it was meant to be – modern,” Cameron said.

Muñoz, a Loyola alumnus and former Board of Trustees member, volunteered the services of his architectural firm for the Danna Center project at no cost.

“He believes that a student center should reflect the diversity of the Loyola community,” Cameron said.

The firm kept four priorities in mind when tackling the renovations:

“Create and activate warm, welcoming, inclusive public spaces.

Offer the best dining services in the nation.

Provide attractive meeting rooms conducive to students

Allow for student organization office areas which promote interaction collaboration.”

Cameron said various student leaders have been involved in the process of re-designing the Danna Center.

SGA senator and political science junior LeeAnn Moss said the entire look of the Danna Center is a definite improvement from last year.

“It includes spaces students can feel more comfortable in,” Moss said. “(Last year) the student spaces were not friendly and did not really invite the students to come in.”

Not all students approve of the new look of the Danna Center. Cyrille Braithwaite, mass communication sophomore, said there is “too much going on” with the appearance of the Danna Center.

“The colors clash. I don’t like how CC’s Coffee is in the middle of everything. It causes a traffic jam,” Braithwaite said. “I don’t like where they put the ATMs. That causes a traffic jam. I don’t like what they did with Lisa Martin’s office. Those TVs are going to cause a traffic jam, too.”

Samantha Shugars, mass communication sophomore, thinks otherwise.

“I like the bright colors especially. It really opens it up,” Shugars said. “But I think some of the carpet is tasteless, but overall, I think it’s a lot more cheerful.”

Jauné Jackson can be reached at [email protected].