University of Texas at Austin Constructs Engineering Discovery Building

The University of Texas at Austin is constructing the Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building as a vibrant new home for the departments of Chemical Engineering and Petrol & Geosystems Engineering. Designed by CO Architects and BGK Architects, the $316 million facility will further the Cockrell School of Engineering’s mission to educate future leaders, promote innovation, and foster industry partnerships within the energy sector. The seven-story structure will drive the creation of pioneering solutions in fields such as novel biomaterials, chemical synthesis, geomechanics, and production engineering.

Flexible, reconfigurable research labs will be arranged in thematic neighborhoods to enhance collaboration, and classrooms and teaching labs will integrate experiential learning to optimize student success. The 210,000-sf development will offer advanced equipment and robust computational engineering capabilities, as well as a wide range of environments to enhance formal and informal exchange between disciplines, including technology-enabled meeting rooms and open work areas. Connecting to the existing Gary L. Thomas Engineering Building, the dynamic hub will act as a gateway to the central UT Austin campus. 

CO Architects also provided programming, laboratory planning, and interior design services. Vaughn Construction broke ground on the project in August of 2023 and occupancy is slated for fall of 2026.