When the University of Mississippi expanded its Medical Center’s campus in Jackson, MS, the plan was to build a 192,000-square-foot research laboratory beside an existing 80,000-square-foot facility. Having these two structures that serve the same purpose to the campus side-by-side seemed natural, but what was more natural was connecting the two facilities. Now, at the end of the expansion, there is an eight-story atrium that unifies the campus’ new structure with its old.

The atrium, which features “communicating” lobby staircases connecting the two buildings on all levels, was designed by Joe Stevens of Eley Guild Hardy Architects in Jackson, MS. Stepping inside, occupants of the campus are enticed by an intriguing pattern of staircases and open floors that are contrasted with a marble and mosaic feature on the walls. “A feature wall of the atrium is clad in stone with mosaic tile as a recessed accent,” said Stevens. “The mosaic tile had the grout joints omitted to create a deep shadow effect emphasizing the horizontal pattern. The stone and tile were used as counterpoint materials to the brick, terrazzo and glass of the atrium.”

On the walls, there are large Crema Dorado marble panels of 3 x 4 feet and 3 x 6 ½ feet that border the recessed mosaic tiles. The mosaic tiles were from Marazzi’s “Percos” Collection, which are a through-body porcelain mesh-mounted mosaic. The tile of the mosaic varied in heights from 3/8  to ¾ inch. The lengths varied with each piece. “They were selected as compatible finishes to other atrium materials,” said Stevens of the design choices. “The stone and tile were our first choice.”