Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science + Knoebel Center

A laboratory and classroom building that prepares students for engineering and computer science careers through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning.

Size
130,000 SF

Year
2016

Location
Denver, CO

Client
University of Denver

The Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science & Knoebel Center supports burgeoning areas of education and research at the University of Denver. The building consolidates previously dispersed engineering disciplines into a state-of-the-art facility that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning. Classroom, lab, and office spaces, as well as a comprehensive research and development center, provide students with real world experiences as researchers, developers, programmers, project managers and data analysts. The fifth floor of the building houses research spaces for the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA), a multi-disciplinary institute with a vision to improve the quality of life, wellness, and community.

While the exterior of the building utilizes campus-standard materials, the expressive form of a centralized dome flanked by two efficient building wings is shaped by the functions within. The zinc and limestone dome provides a symposium space for scholarly presentations, meetings, and celebrations. The east wing houses modular lab spaces such as Innovation Labs and maker spaces, while the west wing houses office and administrative functions. Spaces are linked with an interconnecting stair and light-filled atrium, fostering spontaneous collisions. Visitors to the building are welcomed with views of engineering on display, with sight lines into lab and shop spaces.   

The building supports and responds to global shifts in technological advancements, exemplified by the flexible nature of the lab spaces. Labs with adaptable power systems and industry-specific equipment provide students with industry-specific experience. Students have opportunities to collaborate on projects in fields ranging from renewable energy systems to motion capture technology to robotics, realizing the University’s goal of preparing students for a wide variety of existing and emerging, in-demand career opportunities.

The shimmering zinc and limestone dome provides a celebrated symposium space for scholarly presentations, meetings, and celebrations.

Students have opportunities to collaborate on projects in fields ranging from renewable energy systems to motion capture technology to robotics, realizing the University’s goal of preparing students for a wide variety of existing and emerging, in-demand career opportunities.

Next project

title

We're using cookies to deliver you the best user experience.
Learn More