Rice University Brochstein Pavilion

The Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion is located at the heart of the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. The student center is situated at the intersection of multiple campus pathways, establishing a designated meeting point on a previously empty plot of land. The Pavilion's series of wide double doors connect the interior seating areas with outside, and invite passersby inside. The glass and white metal pavilion is capped by a steel and aluminum roof trellis, which extends the building beyond its frame and shades the terrace. This extensive shade protection reduces the required mechanical cooling load and allows the structure to be open and naturally ventilated throughout much of the year. Daylight permeates the building through perforated aluminum sunshade diffusers in the roof skylights. The Brochstein Pavilion is surrounded by garden seating areas with trees and fountains, integrating the student center with the existing Central Quadrangle and the campus beyond.