Architect Chosen for New Sustainably Designed Business School Building

04/05/05

Following a design competition to create a facility that will nurture the business leaders of tomorrow in a globally unique learning environment, Ithaca College has selected the firm of Robert A. M. Stern Architects to design a new home for the School of Business. The firm was chosen from among three finalists by the Ithaca College Board of Trustees, based on a recommendation from a committee comprising faculty, students, and administrators.

"Stern made an outstanding presentation to the campus community, and it was clear that their concept for our new School of Business building is in harmony with our vision for this important learning facility," says President Peggy R. Williams. "We are excited to be partnering with Stern to design a building that goes beyond environmental sustainability to set a global benchmark for higher education facilities."

The $14 million building has a design goal to meet the highest level of Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) standards of the U.S. Green Building Council. At about 40,000 square feet, it will feature tiered classrooms, common spaces, a technology lab, and a trading room. Also included will be faculty offices, administrative support suites, staff rooms, auxiliary and utility areas, breakout rooms, and an atrium. The detailed design phase is anticipated to take about one year, with a summer 2006 groundbreaking and occupancy to occur before the start of the fall semester in 2008.

"This building is intended to be a 'tool of teaching' in the fullest sense of sustainability, so that it will model economic, environmental, social, ethical, and human performance," says Susan West Engelkemeyer, dean of the School of Business. "Our vision is to create an exciting setting for values-based thinking and debate about the role of economics and business practices and their impact on the environment and society."

As a sustainably designed facility, the new building will have lower operating and maintenance costs, incorporate a sense of community and promote interactive learning, and advance environmental stewardship by producing much of its own energy, while minimizing the use of water and other natural resources.

Stern's vision for this project incorporated the College's master plan to further develop the northwest area of the campus. The Stern proposal integrates existing topography, features the College's hallmark fountains, and preserves the views to Cayuga Lake from existing buildings. Innovative ideas under consideration include a south-facing atrium featuring a glazed double wall of glass with solar panels and skylights/windows with shading devices, a "green" (vegetated) roof, and a parking area for zero-emissions vehicles. The building would house classrooms and common spaces on the first two floors, with faculty offices and administrative areas occupying the top two floors. To view images of Stern's architectural concepts for the building, visit School of Business.

Based in New York City, Robert A. M. Stern Architects is a 140-person firm of architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and supporting staff. It has designed corporate headquarters, hotels, museums, health care facilities, and residential complexes throughout the world. Among its prominent higher education projects have been buildings for the business schools at Harvard University, the University of Virginia, and Rice University. For more information on Stern, visit Robert A. M. Stern Architects.

The College is in the early stages of a comprehensive fund-raising campaign, which includes the School of Business building project. Over 50 percent of the project's budget has already been secured in the form of a $7 million personal gift from longtime Ithaca College supporter Mrs. Dorothy Park. Mrs. Park is president of the Park Foundation, which has supported a number of programs that foster education and the environment at Ithaca College as well as in the local community.

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