University of Kansas School of Business
Lawrence, USA
Facts and downloads
- Architect: Gensler & Gastinger Walker Harden + BeeTriplett Buck
- Location: Lawrence, USA
- Area: 15400 m² (165,766 ft²)
- Fellert Area: 1200 m² (12,917 ft²)
- Design: Even Better Silk
- Fellert Installer: Delta Construction, LLC
- General contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction
- Type: New construction
Downloads
Culture
Innovation happens in the spaces in between
The new KU School of Business, Capitol Federal Hall, is built to cultivate future business ideas and future business leaders. But can architecture affect events? We believe that, and so did dean Neeli Bendapudi and needless to say, design architect Gensler. They have created spaces for growth – as you enter the spacious atrium, there’s room for thought. Daylight is flooding in. And the transparency of the open space makes it easy to see where to take those ideas further. Whether it’s to the project group sitting in one of the incubators, faculty members having a cup of coffee or fellow students gathered in the lounge.
Dynamics. Earthy, natural colors in brown, grey and airy white provide a calm base to the energetic KU-blue that bounces of wall elements or furniture fabrics. Art is exhibited throughout. The concrete and weathering steel on the exterior are also reflected in the flooring and the zigzagging staircase in the interior. The polished concrete and powdery rusty steel meet materials like coated aluminum and dark wood. As a contrast, smooth white sound absorbing ceilings run uninterruptedly above it all. High verticals, low horizontals.
It’s when people are exposed to friction within a building – between materials and textures, light and shadow, students and entrepreneurs, disciplines and mindsets, facts and art – that unexpected things happen.
Photo: Garrett Rowland
Links: Capitol Federal Hall
Top benefits
- High demands on esthetics & acoustics
- Lots of natural light
- Large span and sharp angles