The main objective of the 85,000 sf addition and 16,000 sf renovation was to substantially expand the University’s architecture program, one of the largest of its kind in the country, provide additional space for the college of engineering, and promote a greater integration of the two programs.

 

The linear spine of the new four-story signature building bridges the existing one-story architecture building to the west and the engineering building to the east, its length articulated by a grand three-story open portal that serves as the University’s formal entrance and leads to the campus quadrangle.  

 

Envisioned as a “living lab” to facilitate students’ understanding of the design and construction process, much of the new building’s structure and systems are exposed which required early scrutiny of every detail, comprehensive design documents and coordination with the trades.  The result was a high quality, cost efficient design which could be accurately estimated and bid.

 

In association with Gwathmey Siegel & Associates