Webster University's newest academic building features 31 classrooms, 10 large computer labs, and conference and meeting places with the most up-to-date instruction, design features, and technology. The $29 million 94,000SF building is also home to the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology. Designed by New York architecture firm Robert A. M. Stern as a modern interpretation of the Collegiate Gothic style, Mackey Mitchell served as Architect-of-Record for this LEED Gold project, the first new home-campus classroom building constructed in 30 years.
SHAPE
Though simple in appearance, the building was complex in its execution. Mackey Mitchell helped guide and oversee the building's day-to-day progress, making sure all systems, materials, building components and details came together according to plan. An interesting feature is the building's "wet suit," an impermeable membrane vapor barrier envelope that will result in a "100-year" building with an estimated savings of $30,000 per year. Along with its long list of sustainable achievements, the building site contains two rain gardens and two green roofs planted to improve year-round energy efficiency.
INSPIRE
In 2014, IFMA, an organization representing more than 18,000 professionals in 50+ countries, chose the East Academic Building as "Facility of the Year" based on innovative design and construction processes. According to Green Technology News, "The new East Academic Building at Webster University is a testament to the institution's dedication to practicing and teaching responsible environmental citizenship."
Passion + Perspective
Early master plan building location sketch was used to study options for building and exterior space interaction.
This quick floor plan sketch was used to refine the programmatic adjacencies.
This image shows a conceptual rendering of the project to help the client understand the look and feel of the design.
Early massing and proportion study model are a helpful tool in the design process.
Color renderings give the client a solid sense of the design.
The East Academic Building is an important milestone in Webster University’s history. It serves as a bridge that links the historic Webster University with the future of the institution.
- Elizabeth J. Stroble President, Webster University
