Since 2003, the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering has grown considerably. The program outgrew the existing 165,000 sf building and found itself needing more space.
Enter the Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering. Designed by LMN Architects, the 140,000-sf facility expands the current capacity of the school and provides research spaces, classrooms and lecture spaces, faculty offices, and a new home for the School’s undergraduate majors. A central, naturally-lit atrium provides visual and physical connections to all the floors and acts as the school’s central hub. At the roof-level, an event center will support a wide range of educational needs, industry collaborations, and outreach functions. A cafe activates the primary entry and acts as a transition between the exterior landscape to the central atrium.
The building’s exterior features a two-sided curving form that responds to the site’s topography and the flow of campus circulation. The building’s facade system of terra cotta panels in four texture types acts as a juxtaposition against the modern black glass and metal.
See Also: University of Arizona Student Success District begins construction
The completed project is targeting LEED New Construction Silver.
Related Stories
Student Housing | Apr 17, 2024
Student housing partnership gives residents free mental health support
Text-based mental health support app Counslr has partnered with Aptitude Development to provide free mental health support to residents of student housing locations.
Student Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Construction begins on Auburn University’s new first-year residence hall
The new first-year residence hall along Auburn University's Haley Concourse.
University Buildings | Apr 10, 2024
Columbia University to begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building
Columbia University will soon begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 80,700-sf building for the university’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons will provide eight floors of biomedical research and lab facilities as well as symposium and community engagement spaces.
Architects | Apr 2, 2024
AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects
AE Works, an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm.
Student Housing | Mar 27, 2024
March student housing preleasing in line with last year
Preleasing is still increasing at a historically fast pace, surpassing 61% in February 2024 and marking a 4.5% increase year-over-year.
Lighting | Mar 4, 2024
Illuminating your path to energy efficiency
Design Collaborative's Kelsey Rowe, PE, CLD, shares some tools, resources, and next steps to guide you through the process of lighting design.
Student Housing | Feb 21, 2024
Student housing preleasing continues to grow at record pace
Student housing preleasing continues to be robust even as rent growth has decelerated, according to the latest Yardi Matrix National Student Housing Report.
University Buildings | Feb 21, 2024
University design to help meet the demand for health professionals
Virginia Commonwealth University is a Page client, and the Dean of the College of Health Professions took time to talk about a pressing healthcare industry need that schools—and architects—can help address.
Higher Education | Feb 9, 2024
Disability and architecture: ADA and universal design at college campuses
To help people with disabilities feel part of the campus community, higher education institutions and architects must strive to create settings that not only adhere to but also exceed ADA guidelines.
University Buildings | Jan 18, 2024
Houston’s Rice University opens the largest research facility on its core campus
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the 251,400-sf building provides students and researchers with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a cafe, in addition to multiple gathering spaces.
