With one of the largest and most diverse student bodies, Rice University critically needed a permanent structure for the growing Continuing Studies program.
The new design creates a beautiful and inviting space for users to engage within a vibrant community of lifelong learners, and acts as a threshold between the City of Houston and the university. The building blends into the historic character of the existing campus while also reinventing building patterns and traditions in an innovative way.
Spaces housed within the new 3-story Continuing Studies Building includes five tiered classrooms that seat 40 to 80 users, a detached 200-seat auditorium, flexible classroom and gallery spaces, a two-story event commons, a reception and operations area, conference-style language classrooms and flat classrooms, a student lounge, an administrative suite and teacher work area, building storage, conference rooms, administrative offices, flex space, and an outdoor terrace.
Location, Houston, Texas 2013
Scope, Continuing Studies Building, 52,740 s.f.
Program, Classrooms, Auditorium, Gallery Spaces, 2-Story Event Commons Area, Reception & Operations Area, Student Lounge, Administrative Suite, Conference Rooms
Services, Furniture
Client, Rice University
Team, Lee Ann McClanahan, Megan Moshier
Certifications, LEED Silver
Sustainability Strategies, First all-LED building on campus, Demand-controlled ventilation, On-site stormwater management, Daylight Views, Low-emitting materials, Reclaimed materials
In collaboration with Overland Partners