Vance Hall

Located at the northeast quadrant of the prestigious Vikan Academy campus, Vance Hall stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to progress, efficiency, and high academic standards. As one of the first major buildings seen upon arrival at either the North or East Gate, it makes a powerful statement of what the academy represents. With its sleek, modern design and cutting-edge technology, Vance Hall is not just an administrative building but a symbol of the future.
 

Architectural Design and Features

Vance Hall’s striking appearance immediately catches the eye with its steel-reinforced glass façade, solar panel-integrated roofing, and smooth matte-black surfaces. These elements not only provide a visually stunning and modern aesthetic but also highlight the academy’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The building’s design is a perfect balance of form and function—functional yet avant-garde. Every student, whether new to the academy or a returning senior, passes through its automatic sliding doors at the start of the academic year, marking the beginning of their journey at Vikan Academy.

The building is divided into two main wings—West and East—flanking a central Reception and Waiting Area. The central atrium-style corridor is bordered by smart glass walls that can adjust their opacity based on privacy settings, providing both transparency and seclusion where needed. The design reflects the academy’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology, offering students and faculty a space that is not only efficient but also sophisticated.

Surrounding Landmarks and Accessibility

Vance Hall is centrally located within the academy’s layout, making it a hub of activity for students and visitors alike. Several key landmarks surround the building, each contributing to the flow of campus life.

North Gate (Main Entrance): The grander of the two main gates, the North Gate serves as the primary entrance to the academy. A large gate and a wide, tree-lined path lead toward the front of Vance Hall, making it the first stop for most incoming students. This entrance is especially used by current students, particularly those who take public transportation or have personal drivers for pickups and drop-offs. Its more expansive and impressive scale adds to the sense of arrival at the academy.

East Entrance (Main Pedestrian Access): The East Entrance is frequently used by current students who rely on their own transportation. Directly across from a multi-level parking garage, it serves as the primary access point for those who park their cars on campus. This entrance is also heavily trafficked by prospective students, parents, and guardians, particularly during registration, open houses, and exam days.

Duskmire Plaza: Directly in front of Vance Hall, Duskmire Plaza is a popular gathering space for various campus events. Orientation activities, student fairs, and information booths are commonly held here. It is also a favored photo spot for incoming students and graduates, making it a place filled with memories and anticipation.
 

Interior Layout and Features

Upon entering Vance Hall, visitors are greeted by the familiar scent of ink, paper, and polished tile. The building's interior design is just as meticulously planned as its exterior. The central corridor divides the building into the West and East Wings, each with distinct functions and facilities.

Reception and Waiting Area: Located between the two wings, the Reception Area features cushioned benches, digital number panels, and an electronic display showing the current term schedule in real time. It is a space where students can rest while waiting for assistance or updates. The area is equipped with an information desk, staffed by a rotating pair of assistants who handle registration and in-person inquiries. Students can also interact with the Interactive Wall Display, a massive vertical screen showing live updates on student rankings, campus events, academic calendars, and more.

Registration Holo-Kiosks: For convenience, students can register for classes, print ID cards, or access academic portals via retinal scans or student chips. The kiosks are transparent, touch-sensitive terminals that allow for a seamless and modern registration process.

Wall Art and Displays: Throughout the building, the walls are adorned with art pieces that depict key moments in the academy’s history. A rotating LED mural showcases the academy’s milestones and provides current term information, keeping students engaged with the institution’s legacy while providing valuable updates.

West Wing: Administrative Hub

The West Wing of Vance Hall houses the administrative heart of the building. It contains essential services like the Student Services Hub, where students can resolve ID card issues or handle financial aid requests. The Administration Office manages academic records and enrollment disputes, while the Faculty Office features shared, glass-partitioned workspaces for professors. The Dean’s Office is behind a heavy oak door, entry by appointment only, signifying the formality and importance of administrative matters.

Conference Modules A–F: Conference Modules A–F are located here, six convertible rooms designed for faculty meetings, academic reviews, or disciplinary hearings. These rooms are equipped with retractable walls, soundproofing tech, and projection floors, allowing for flexible use based on the needs of the staff and faculty.

East Wing: Exam and Testing Facilities

The East Wing is dedicated to academic testing and assessment. With three floors housing over 900 desks, the space is optimized for digital exams. Each desk is equipped with adaptive lighting and digital exam terminals to ensure optimal focus. The Exam Command Stations are staffed by faculty and staff, using facial recognition and live heat maps to monitor students during exams, ensuring fairness and preventing cheating. Secure Lockers are available, providing fingerprint-access cubbies for students to store personal items and devices during exams.

The East Wing also features Recovery Lounges, quiet spaces for students to relax and recover after exams. These lounges are equipped with reclining chairs and hydration stations, offering students a place to unwind after the stresses of testing.

Hidden Details and Secrets

Vance Hall is not just a modern marvel of design and functionality—it also harbors secrets. Rumors abound about a hidden Principal’s Office Vault, rumored to contain documents detailing the Syndicate’s involvement in faculty recruitment. The Basement Level is off-limits to most, its existence known only to a few staff members who refer to it when discussing “legacy records.”

There are also whispers about Conference Room D, which is occasionally used for clandestine meetings under the guise of policy review. Additionally, the Old Registry Logs, hidden in a storage closet near the reception, contain names of former students scrubbed from the public record due to “accidents.” These hidden details add an air of mystery to the otherwise pristine and cutting-edge building.

Type

Office