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

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Fayetteville State University Opens New College of Education Building

    Fayetteville State University (FSU) in Fayetteville, N.C., recently celebrated the opening of a new $69.3-million College of Education building, according to a university news release.

  • California Middle School Breaks Ground on Major Renovation Project

    The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) in Hillsborough, Calif., recently began construction on new multipurpose and administration facilities for Crocker Middle School, according to a news release.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.