The College of Architecture Addition, Burchard Hall, design responds to programmatic requirements, including the desire for large, open, flexible studio spaces with natural light; street access to shop areas and the preservation of Cowgill Plaza as an important "urban" node which is part of the Campus Master Plan.
Displacing 42,280 SF, the addition was developed as a two-level, cast-in-place concrete structure supporting a renovated Cowgill Plaza. The project design solution includes a lower level accommodating a 120' x 120' square high ceiling studio space served by four pyramid skylights, classroom/seminar spaces and other studio activity support spaces. An upper mezzanine level overlooks the studio and links faculty offices, industrial design shops and other spaces with Cowgill Hall ground floor activities.
The sustainable green design includes 41,500 SF of redeveloped exterior plaza space defined by surrounding buildings and the preservation of campus oak trees. Precast concrete campus limestone integrates mechanical, ventilation, and glass block skylights with plaza seating. SOM Served as Associated Architects.