At a Glance
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79K
Square Feet
- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Offices
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Client
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University at Buffalo
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- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Offices
- Client
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- University at Buffalo
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The University at Buffalo’s (UB’s) School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) has grown significantly. To better support SEAS students and programs, UB engaged our team to design a building that would exemplify their vision for 21st-century engineering through spaces that nurture collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Positioned as the gateway to the northern expansion of the academic core, Russell L. Agrusa Hall will be an inviting destination and central hub for students. UB wanted the building to be a welcoming and supportive space for all students, serving as a central gathering point to pursue their studies and innovate tomorrow’s engineering solutions.
Our plan enhances connectivity. An expansive student workshop, nicknamed Big Blue, will anchor the structure along a main street corridor and acts as a highly visible and accessible heart of the building. Agrusa Hall will feature prototyping and fabrication facilities, spaces for student clubs, teaching labs, and collaborative areas. A transparent perimeter will showcase vibrant collaborative spaces, welcoming students into a dynamic hub for innovation.
We angled the south façade to mitigate harsh winds while optimizing daylight and visibility. Our design also pays homage to Marcel Breuer’s modernist legacy with a contemporary brick and fenestration pattern, integrating with the campus’ architectural heritage.
On the west side, workshop spaces will open onto an outdoor workshop plaza, positioned to keep heavy activity out of primary circulation. A walkway and second-floor bridge are planned connect with Jarvis Hall’s central circulation. Additionally, a transparent atrium will serve as a hub for students and faculty—nestled between the bustling student union to the south and a future light rail stop to the east.
Designed as the student home for engineering, Agrusa Hall will foster connections, inspire creativity, and help bring ideas to life.
" }At a Glance
-
79K
Square Feet
- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
University at Buffalo
-
- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Offices
- Client
-
- University at Buffalo