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
| Dec 2, 2011
Goody Clancy awarded Ohio State residential project
The project, which is focused on developing a vibrant on-campus community of learning for OSU undergraduates.
| Nov 23, 2011
Griffin Electric completes Gwinnett Tech project
Accommodating up to 3,000 students annually beginning this fall, the 78,000-sf, three-story facility consists of thirteen classrooms and twelve high-tech laboratories, in addition to several lecture halls and faculty offices.
| Nov 18, 2011
Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability opens
Designed to exceed LEED Platinum, the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) is one of the most innovative and high performance buildings in North America today, demonstrating leading-edge green building design products, technologies, and systems.
| Nov 11, 2011
Streamline Design-build with BIM
How construction manager Barton Malow utilized BIM and design-build to deliver a quick turnaround for Georgia Tech’s new practice facility.
| Nov 11, 2011
AIA: Engineered Brick + Masonry for Commercial Buildings
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Nov 4, 2011
Two Thornton Tomasetti projects win NCSEA’s 2011 Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards
Altra Sede Regione Lombardia and Bank of Oklahoma Center both recognized.
| Oct 17, 2011
Clery Act report reveals community colleges lacking integrated mass notification systems
“Detailed Analysis of U.S. College and University Annual Clery Act Reports” study now available.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
| Oct 12, 2011
Bulley & Andrews celebrates 120 years of construction
The family-owned and operated general contractor attributes this significant milestone to the strong foundation built decades ago on honesty, integrity, and service in construction.