Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin

Ennead Architects has released images of the new Engineering Education and Research Center for the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering. Currently under construction, the 433,000 square foot (40,200 square meter) building will house undergraduate education, interdisciplinary graduate research and two distinct engineering departments, and will become a new hub of activity at the edge of campus. The design takes advantage of a unique section featuring stacked atrium and outdoor spaces to serve a variety of educational and public functions.

Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Beam, WindowsEnnead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Cityscape, GardenEnnead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Image 4 of 25Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - FacadeEnnead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - More Images+ 20

Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Facade
Atrium. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects

In reflection of the school’s area of study, the building has been designed as a showcase for engineering, with an exposed concrete structural frame and steel truss systems, bridges, a glass roof, large-span sun shading systems and a centerpiece spiral staircase.

The educational program has been divided into two limestone-clad towers containing labs, offices and work spaces for the different engineering departments. The wings are connected by a triple-height public atrium capped with a folded glass and steel clear-span roof structure that also becomes the base of a 5-story outdoor volume, shielded from the sun by a screen hung between the two towers. Glass and steel bridges connect the building’s upper levels along the eastern and western facades.

Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Cityscape, Garden
Exterior. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects
Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Image 4 of 25
Atrium. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects

Fronting the atrium is the National Instruments Student Project Center, which provides 23,000 square feet (2,100 square meters) of maker space to undergraduate students, putting a strong emphasis on design, fabrication and rapid-prototyping early in their educations. The majority of lab spaces in the two-story Project Center feature floor-to-ceiling glazing, putting student work on display for anyone passing through the building.

Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Beam, Steel
Courtesy of Ennead Architects

The Engineering Education and Research Center is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Facade
Courtesy of Ennead Architects
Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Image 17 of 25
Courtesy of Ennead Architects
Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin - Cityscape
Courtesy of Ennead Architects
  • Architects

  • Location

    University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
  • Architect

    Ennead Architects
  • Design Partner

    Todd Schliemann
  • Management Partner

    Kevin McClurkan
  • Project Designer

    Alex O’Briant
  • Project Manager/Project Architect

    Emily Kirkland
  • Project Architect, Design

    Megan Miller
  • Interiors

    Charmian Place
  • Team Members

    Zach Olczak, Jena Rimkus
  • Associate Architect

    Jacobs
  • Structural

    Datum Engineers
  • MEP

    Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
  • Laboratory

    Jacobs Consultancy, GPR Planners Collaborative
  • Landscape

    Coleman & Associates
  • Theater

    Fisher Dachs Associates
  • Graphics/Wayfinding Design

    Jankedesign
  • Technology

    Datacom Design Group
  • Food Service

    Worrell Design Group
  • Security

    Kroll Inc.
  • Accessibility

    K+K Associates
  • Code

    Aon
  • Cost Estimating/Constructability

    Garza Program Management
  • Construction Manager

    Hensel Phelps Construction Co
  • Area

    433000.0 m2
  • Project Year

    2017
  • Photographs

    Courtesy of Ennead Architects
  • Architects

  • Graphic Design

    Jankedesign
  • Wayfinding Design

    Jankedesign
  • Interior Designer

    Aon
  • Code Consulting

    Aon
  • Cost Estimating & Constructability

    Garza Program Management

Project gallery

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Project location

Address:University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: Patrick Lynch. "Ennead Architects Reveals Designs for Engineering Center at University of Texas at Austin" 15 Jul 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/791469/ennead-architects-reveals-designs-for-engineering-center-at-university-of-texas-at-austin> ISSN 0719-8884

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