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
University Buildings | Mar 17, 2021
UIC’s Computer Design Center will help meet the demands of a growing student body
LMN Architects in collaboration with Booth Hansen is designing the project.
University Buildings | Mar 5, 2021
Perkins and Will designs new vertical campus for Ryerson University
The 28-story tower is located in Toronto.
University Buildings | Feb 26, 2021
Dartmouth College’s new faculty and graduate student center completes
Leers Weinzapfel Associates designed the project.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
University Buildings | Feb 16, 2021
Former coal-burning power plant becomes Beloit College’s new student union
Studio Gang designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 9, 2021
Purpose-built facility for University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College breaks ground
Morphosis designed the project.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 8, 2021
Student housing development in the time of COVID-19
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, many college and university residences were completed in time for classes, live or virtual. Here are 14 of the best.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
University Buildings | Dec 13, 2020
U. of Oregon’s new Knight Campus is set up to turn ideas into reality
Its design encourages occupant productivity and well-being.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Science & Technology Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the S+T sector
HDR, Jacobs, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest science and technology (S+T) facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.