KU School of Architecture and Design Expansion and Renovation

BNIM is currently serving as collaborating architect with BIG on the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design Expansion and Renovation. The project will include a new mass timber building called the ‘Makers’ KUbe,’ which will house design studio space, applied learning labs, and 3D-printing for all architecture and design programs. The Makers’ KUbe is envisioned as a space for student innovation and collaboration within its light-filled, six-story, flexible studio structure. The adjacent Marvin Hall’s stone façade and interior spaces will be historically restored with strategic renovation of the interior to create new collaborative space for students and faculty, renewed office space, and much needed building life safety, systems, and MEP improvements. The renovation of Chalmers Hall will enhance accessibility and connectivity, creating a more intuitive, welcoming experience and bringing more natural daylight into the facility.

The three buildings will work together to showcase sustainable construction, employing adaptive reuse strategies, historic restoration, and low carbon design, with an optimized structure of heavy timber, daylit and connected learning spaces, and high performance and renewable energy systems. Accessibility improvements will reposition the existing buildings to serve as a campus connectors, encouraging access and engagement. A learning loop will connect the three buildings along a common path at level two. The learning loop will integrate student focused spaces for applied learning, social life, making, critique, experimentation, and display, linking them to the campus environment and positioning Architecture & Design as a connected hub of creativity and innovation. Diagrams ©Big/Bjarke Ingels Group, Rendering ©Kilograph