The University of Maryland has a new landmark architectural presence in its new School of Public Policy building.
The building’s design concept is rooted in the spatial typology of the ancient Agora, the birthplace of democratic thought and public discourse. The cascading architectural form follows the natural slope of Chapel Field to form an edge to one of the signature open spaces on campus and shape a carefully orchestrated sequence of interior spaces.
Entrances on the east and west sides connect to a large, communal atrium designed to encourage chance meetings, informal study, and interdepartmental collaboration. On the building’s east side is Do Good Plaza, a shared outdoor event space that establishes a new gateway into campus. Brick cladding and white columns connect visually with Lee Hall to the north while the building’s sculpted massing frames Rossborough Inn to the northeast and memorial Chapel to the southwest.
The four-story building brings together the School’s more than 90 faculty members and over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students and serves as the headquarters for the Do Good Institute, a campus-wide hub for social innovation, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. The facility will also include five instructional spaces ranging in size from 25 to 150 seats, a library, and a rooftop terrace.
See Also: South-West Middle School welcomes its first students
The School of Public Policy is expected to achieve LEED Gold rating with biophilic design elements that will connect occupants to nature, reduce the building’s environmental footprint, and provide healthy and productive spaces for work and study.
Related Stories
| Nov 4, 2011
Two Thornton Tomasetti projects win NCSEA’s 2011 Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards
Altra Sede Regione Lombardia and Bank of Oklahoma Center both recognized.
| Oct 17, 2011
Clery Act report reveals community colleges lacking integrated mass notification systems
“Detailed Analysis of U.S. College and University Annual Clery Act Reports” study now available.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
| Oct 12, 2011
Bulley & Andrews celebrates 120 years of construction
The family-owned and operated general contractor attributes this significant milestone to the strong foundation built decades ago on honesty, integrity, and service in construction.
| Sep 30, 2011
Design your own floor program
Program allows users to choose from a variety of flooring and line accent colors to create unique floor designs to complement any athletic facility.
| Sep 23, 2011
Okanagan College sets sights on Living Buildings Challenge
The Living Building Challenge requires projects to meet a stringent list of qualifications, including net-zero energy and water consumption, and address critical environmental, social and economic factors.
| Sep 14, 2011
Research shows large gap in safety focus
82% of public, private and 2-year specialized colleges and universities believe they are not very effective at managing safe and secure openings or identities.
| Sep 7, 2011
KSS Architects wins AIA NJ design award
The project was one of three to win the award in the category of Architectural/Non-Residential.
| May 18, 2011
Major Trends in University Residence Halls
They’re not ‘dorms’ anymore. Today’s collegiate housing facilities are lively, state-of-the-art, and green—and a growing sector for Building Teams to explore.
