A new Student Success Building will serve as the heart of the newly designed University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering. The 115,000-sf structure will greatly increase lab space and consolidate student services to one location.
Currently admissions counselors, academic counselors, tutors, student success coordinators, co-op counselors, and other support teams are located on different floors and in multiple buildings. The plan groups all the support teams into a single connected office suite. A central help desk at the main entrance will assist students to receive the most appropriate support services. Shared collaborative spaces will facilitate regular meetings among the different teams, and shared office support will streamline internal operations.
The new university building will serve as a valuable “home base” for students, especially during their first year. It will house classes, provide access to tutoring, enable meetings with academic and co-op counselors, host student success seminars, offer study spaces and meeting rooms for student groups, and feature an informal recreational area.
![Maker space at University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20Interior_makerspace.jpg)
An engineering garage space will serve as a hub for hands-on learning and competition team activities. This area will provide ample room for students to work on projects, build prototypes, and conduct experiments. It will be equipped with specialized tools, machinery, and materials to support various engineering disciplines. The garage space will not only enhance students’ technical skills but also promote teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Engineering students will have the opportunity to participate in competitions, where they can apply their knowledge, learn from their peers, and showcase their innovations.
The second and third floors will house lab space for the university’s Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, where researchers will study solar power, green fuels, and materials. Construction is underway, with an expected completion date of summer 2025.
Owner and/or developer: University of Louisville
Design architect: SmithGroup
Architect of record: Luckett & Farley
MEP engineer: Luckett & Farley
Structural engineer: SmithGroup
General contractor/construction manager: Whittenberg Construction
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20collabSpace.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20firstFloorHallway.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20AerialView.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20classroom.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20exterior1.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20exterior2.jpg)
Related Stories
University Buildings | Dec 5, 2023
The University of Cincinnati builds its largest classroom building to serve its largest college
The University of Cincinnati’s recently completed Clifton Court Hall unifies the school’s social science programs into a multidisciplinary research and education facility. The 185,400-sf structure is the university’s largest classroom building, serving its largest college, the College of Arts and Sciences.
Products and Materials | Nov 30, 2023
Top building products for November 2023
BD+C Editors break down 15 of the top building products this month, from horizontal sliding windows to discreet indoor air infusers.
Higher Education | Nov 21, 2023
UPitt at Bradford opens new Engineering & Information Technologies Building
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recently opened a new engineering and information technology building that adds urgently needed lab and instructional space to the campus.
Esports Arenas | Oct 10, 2023
Modular esports arena attracts more than gamers
As the esports market continues to grow to unprecedented numbers, more facilities are being developed by universities and real estate firms each year.
Higher Education | Oct 10, 2023
Tracking the carbon footprint of higher education campuses in the era of online learning
With more effective use of their facilities, streamlining of administration, and thoughtful adoption of high-quality online learning, colleges and universities can raise enrollment by at least 30%, reducing their carbon footprint per student by 11% and lowering their cost per student by 15% with the same level of instruction and better student support.
Giants 400 | Sep 28, 2023
Top 80 University Building Engineering Firms for 2023
AECOM, Jacobs, BR+A, and Salas O'Brien head BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest university sector engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report. Note: This ranking includes revenue for all university/college-related buildings except student residence halls, sports/recreation facilities, laboratories, S+T-related buildings, parking facilities, and performing arts centers (revenue for those buildings are reported in their respective Giants 400 ranking).
Giants 400 | Sep 28, 2023
Top 100 University Building Construction Firms for 2023
Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., STO Building Group, Suffolk Construction, and Skanska USA top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest university sector contractors and construction management firms for 2023, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report. Note: This ranking includes revenue for all university/college-related buildings except student residence halls, sports/recreation facilities, laboratories, S+T-related buildings, parking facilities, and performing arts centers (revenue for those buildings are reported in their respective Giants 400 ranking).
University Buildings | Sep 27, 2023
Top 170 University Building Architecture Firms for 2023
Gensler, CannonDesign, Page Southerland Page, SmithGroup, and Ayers Saint Gross top the ranking of the nation's largest university sector architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Affordable Housing | Sep 25, 2023
3 affordable housing projects that serve as social catalysts
Trish Donnally, Associate Principal, Perkins Eastman, shares insights from three transformative affordable housing projects.
Adaptive Reuse | Sep 19, 2023
Transforming shopping malls into 21st century neighborhoods
As we reimagine the antiquated shopping mall, Marc Asnis, AICP, Associate, Perkins&Will, details four first steps to consider.