Lobby & Arcade

Design Overview

The design incorporates approximately 20,000 sf of new teaching laboratory, offices, lounge, and classroom space on the first and second floors and focus on the rejuvenation of public spaces – corridors and atrium – through the introduction of soft wood materials and light.

A key challenge is resolving the tension between making science more visible in the critical undergraduate science building and adapting Josep Lluis Sert’s original concepts for this “crossroads” building. The design will introduce glazing to open up and visually connect the teaching spaces and central staircase to the rest of the spaces. Strategically inserted soft wooden seating spaces with accent furniture will welcome students and staff to meet and collaborate. Corridors on the second floor will be enhanced with new projecting balconies with tables for gathering and impromptu interactions.