maclelland-hall-university-of-arizona: Maclelland Hall, School of Business and Public Administration,
University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona, USA
Designed 1988 with NBBJ-Gresham Larson
The design concept features a central courtyard within a rectangular plan, accommodating 180,000 square feet on four levels. This concept results in a building design which is responsive to the arid Arizona climate, and the striking horizontal mass is harmonious within its campus setting. The top level forms a visual cap to the building, supported by a two-storey arcade forming a framework to receive the articulated massing of the lower levels. The building was carefully placed to buffer two historic structures adjoining the building and to respect the topography, which slopes to the southwest. This slope permits the creation of major entries at both the first and second levels by partially burying the lowest level of the building.
The lowest level is accessed from the southwest corner and receives the bulk of the student/pedestrian movement from the main campus via a tunnel under Speedway Boulevard. Classroom and student related areas are concentrated on this level. At the second level, a two-storey atrium serving as a formal public lobby is located on the north side. Public, corporate and shared facilities, such as the library and auditorium are all located on this level. The third and fourth floors contain all the faculty departments of the school.
Windows are recessed for shading and tinted to minimize the impact of the sun. Tile clads the top level adding colour and texture. A brick and glass curtain wall clads the articulated second and third floors. The lowest floors, courtyard plaza, and entry stairs are also clad in brick, firmly anchoring the building to the ground plane. Drought-resistant landscaping materials are complemented by a system of terraces and walks, which collect and channel rainwater run-off. Lush landscaping and a cascading fountain enhance the environment of the courtyard. Harvested rainwater from the roof drains will be stored below grade for future use. This will minimize the economic impact of the landscaping amenities.
Photo by Geoffrey Erickson
