Cornell University will begin construction in January of 2023 on a 30,000-nsf expansion of Thurston Hall in Ithaca, N.Y. Designed by NBBJ to promote experiential learning, the $40 million project will accommodate the rapidly growing Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The façade of the brick and stone structure, which was originally built in 1951, will be transformed into a contemporary glass and metal exterior that transmits natural light to interior areas. Activating the Engineering Quad, the four-story development will strategically site teaching labs and student design studios on the ground floor to put science on display, with research centers located on the upper levels. Featuring open collaboration spaces on each floor, the addition will include a welcoming central lobby where students, faculty, and staff can engage in informal interaction and knowledge exchange. A minimum of LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the expansion, which is slated for occupancy in fall of 2024.
