Founders Hall, a new 85,000-sf mass timber structure, has topped out at the University of Washington. The project expands the Michael G. Foster School of Business while revitalizing the campus core by framing the northeast edge of historic Denny Yard.
The building is organized in two parts to optimize program functionality of workplace, learning, and collaboration activities. Active-learning, collaboration, and event spaces are positioned at the south edge of the site to engage the distinctive qualities of the Denny Yard landscape and provide a link to the pedestrian pathways that traverse the precinct. Landscaped terraces and rain gardens reinforce the natural slope and evergreen plantings of the open space.
An open circulation space serves as a central connector with a feature stair that provides shared access to tiered classrooms, student commons, a special event venue, and an outdoor terrace. The tiered classrooms are designed to serve group sizes from 65 to 135 students with active-learning functionality. Twenty-eight team rooms, four conference rooms, a student commons, and an event forum with an adjacent roof terrace further activate the collaboration zone.
A series of collaboration spaces located throughout the building are designed to encourage teamwork and foster spontaneous interaction among students, program staff, and the broader business community. Classrooms, conference facilities, and recruiting spaces will provide expanded opportunities for community and corporate engagement through hosting events and inviting outside speakers, alumni, and corporate recruiters.
Founders Hall is designed for sustainable performance and social connection. The project is a model for sustainable design at the University of Washington and embraces UW’s Green Building Standards, which has helped the project reduce emissions from embodied carbon by 83%.
“The 83% reduction in operational carbon is a result of careful balancing between envelope performance, the mechanical system design, and the users’ commitment to leverage operable windows and ceiling fans in lieu of energy-intensive air conditioning,” said Robert Smith, Principal, LMN Architects, in a release.
Founders Hall is slated for completion in the summer of 2022.
Related Stories
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Jan 8, 2014
Strengthened sprinkler rules could aid push for mid-rise wood structures in Canada
Strengthened sprinkler regulations proposed for the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) could help a movement to allow midrise wood structures.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.