Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Dartmouth Completes New Engineering & Computer Science Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/02/22

Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., recently finished construction on a new academic building for engineering & computer science students. The Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center (Class of 1982 Center) covers 165,000 square feet, stands four stories (plus a mechanical penthouse and three floors of underground parking), and serves as both the largest construction project in the school’s history and the second-largest academic building on campus, according to a news release.

The new facility includes research and teaching space in fields like bio-tech, energy technologies, cybersecurity and more. “Virtually every device and every piece of hardware have software embedded in them,” said Joseph Helble, former dean of the Thayer School of Engineering. “As a result, bringing computer science and engineering together seamlessly in one facility where students can interact with both faculties without barriers between them is even more important.”

Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center
Photo credit: HGA and Anton Grassl

Dartmouth partnered with national design firm HGA for the building’s design. The firm incorporated features like glass walls, collaboration spaces and a vast central atrium to give the building a sense of openness and transparency. “At the heart of the Class of 1982 center is an atrium that fosters interaction and collaboration and promotes synergies between fields that spark discovery and innovation,” said HGA Principal Samir Srouji, AIA, LEED AP. “Natural light is brought into the atrium through a series of wooden coffers illuminating the multiple levels of connections and gathering spaces.”

Dartmouth also partnered with contractor Turner Construction Company.

The facility was also designed with sustainability in mind to optimize energy efficiency, water efficiency and occupant well-being. It’s currently registered as LEED v3 for New Construction, and officials are anticipating a LEED Platinum certification.

A full list of collaborators includes:

  • VanZelm Engineers: MEP/FP
  • LeMessurier: Structural
  • Engineering Ventures: Civil
  • Michael Van Valkenburgh: Landscape Architect
  • Mohar Design: Interior Design
  • Cavanaugh Tocci: Audio Visual
  • Acentech: Acoustic/IT/Security
  • Turner Construction Company: Contractor

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • UT System Board of Regents Approves $108M Housing Complex

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently announced the approval of a new, $108-million housing complex at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), according to a news release. The facility will stand four stories and have a total of 456 new beds for freshmen students.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • Indiana Wesleyan University Schedules Grand Opening for New Welcome Center

    Indiana Wesleyan University recently announced that it will soon open a new Welcome Center on its campus in Marion, Ind., according to a news release. The facility will serve as the home base for prospective students and their families to learn more about the university and student life there. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 19.

Digital Edition