Designed by HMC Architects of San Jose, the new 58,000sf sustainable structure houses two programs together meeting the university’s vision for a more integrated learning environment. Students will work together “flipping” the learning process on its head. Assignments and projects will be completed in class while lectures are given online. Both schools are not only working together but they are changing the way to approach business and encouraging the spirit of innovation.
The Business & Information Technology building is located near the heart of the campus, adjacent to the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library. The building has three levels connected together by an atrium and includes eight classrooms, 12 laboratories, offices for faculty members, conference rooms and student study areas and lounge. The bottom floor allows for flexible classroom configurations with sliding glass walls.
The design and construction of the new Business & Information Technology building integrated sustainable practices, limiting environmental impact. Learning environments and staff areas are flooded with natural light while keeping heat-producing sunlight controlled with an exterior screen wall. There is on-site storm water retention, with nothing flowing to the Bay and no-flow and low-flow bathroom fixtures to achieve a 43% reduction in water use. The building was targeted to LEED Gold standards, but surpassed those goals to achieve LEED Platinum certification.