This project is comprised of three main components: a parking garage, a three-story academic/laboratory building, and a commons linking the new facility to adjacent existing college buildings, all linked seamlessly into the topography and to adjacent facilities. The project is highly visible and marks a fresh beginning for the College of Human Ecology. The garage is set into a severe slope and is clad in local stone to ground it to the landscape. The top of the garage plinth is the main terrace level connecting the new academic/laboratory building to the commons and to the adjacent buildings and landscape. Perched on this plinth, the new facility provides flexible spaces for cutting-edge teaching and research. Social areas are integrated into the plan to encourage cross-departmental dialogue. The building and commons are clad in vision glass, shadow boxes, inter- layers and operable windows, in a pattern that dissolves the expression of floors and recalls the textile research and design of the curriculum within. The vibrancy of this design announces the new image of the college from its position high above the street and the adjacent gorge and lake. Project Highlights • geographical unification of various groups • reducing congestion & overcrowding • high-tech labs & studio/work spaces, including wet & dry labs • various display areas incorporated into building, functioning as both teach- ing tools & forums for discussion • integrated infrastructure supporting robust distance learning: two-way audio & video, multiple screen projections, etc. • compliance with NYS Executive Order 111 • Achieved LEEDTM Platinum Certification
