The design of the building separates vibration-sensitive micro fabrication laboratories (located in one wing) from vibration-producing civil and mechanical engineering laboratories (located in the opposite wing). Department and faculty offices are located in the bridge element between both wings to promote interaction and future flexibility for faculty allocation as programs expand or contract. The facility integrates the smaller existing award-winning Engineering Research Building by giving it pre-eminence in the palm tree-lined quadrangle.

The building exterior is a combination of painted poured-in-place concrete with tile trim. The bridge building is lined with tile panels on a steel frame. The principal interior spaces are organized around a main lobby in the east wing with views toward the new quadrangle and a series of interactive spaces located at corridor ends, terraces and balconies.