University of Kentucky (CSF)

Overview of the project and space.

The Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) at the University of Kentucky has been a cornerstone of campus life since 1958, rooted in a mission of hospitality, belonging, and connection. Over time, the ministry outgrew its former home as student participation increased and programs expanded. Weekly worship gatherings regularly exceeded the capacity of the existing sanctuary, small group meetings lacked dedicated space, and hospitality efforts were limited by an undersized kitchen and infrastructure.

To support its growing community, CSF embarked on the construction of a new 40,000-square-foot campus hub located in the heart of the University of Kentucky campus. Designed to serve as a central gathering place for students, the new building provides four times the space of the previous facility and brings together worship, study, recreation, and community under one roof.

The completed space includes a significantly expanded sanctuary, dedicated small group rooms, an industrial kitchen, multi-purpose gathering areas, and recreational amenities such as a full-size indoor basketball court. Together, these elements allow CSF to welcome thousands of students each year while remaining accessible, flexible, and rooted in campus life.

What was the design vision for the space?

The vision for the new CSF building was to create a space that feels more like home than an institutional campus facility. Hospitality guided every aspect of the design, with an emphasis on warmth, flexibility, and connection. The goal was to ensure students could move seamlessly between quiet moments of reflection and large communal gatherings without ever feeling out of place.

The building was organized to encourage visibility, openness, and interaction. An open lobby anchors the ground floor, welcoming students as they enter and immediately connecting them to staff offices and gathering spaces. Throughout the building, a variety of room sizes and layouts support everything from one-on-one conversations to large worship services.

How was furniture used to support flexibility and community?

Furniture played a critical role in shaping how students experience the building day to day. OFS furnishings were selected to support a wide range of uses while maintaining a cohesive, welcoming aesthetic throughout the space.

Flexible seating and modular layouts allow spaces to easily adapt from small group discussions to large gatherings and events. Comfortable lounge furniture encourages students to stay longer, while durable materials ensure the space can withstand heavy daily use.

Details such as fireplaces, bookshelves, and varied seating arrangements help reinforce the feeling of home, transforming common areas into places where students feel seen, valued, and at ease.

How did the new space impact students and staff after completion?

Since opening, the new building has become a central hub for student life on campus. Thousands of students now move through the space each week for worship, small groups, meals, study, and recreation. The expanded sanctuary regularly hosts gatherings of more than 700 students.

Staff benefit from improved visibility, accessibility, and workflow, allowing for more meaningful daily interaction with students. The building’s thoughtful layout supports both structured programming and informal connection, strengthening relationships across the CSF community.

More than a ministry building, the new CSF space serves as a home on campus, one that supports belonging, leadership development, and lasting community for generations of students at the University of Kentucky.