Auburn University broke ground in February of 2026 on the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility in Auburn, Ala. This vibrant new home for the College of Human Sciences will house nationally ranked and recognized programs in global studies, interior design, philanthropy and nonprofit studies, nutrition and dietetics, human development and family studies, and apparel merchandising, design, and production management. Designed by Perkins&Will, the $100 million building will provide state-of-the-art environments for learning and discovery including interactive teaching labs, classrooms, and studios. Faculty research venues will drive innovation, complemented by advanced computer labs, modern study areas, galleries, event spaces, and offices. The Hunger Solutions Institute will be located in the development, as well as the Family and Living Research Laboratory and the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies.
Accommodating a 51 percent increase in enrollment over the past two decades, the 138,000-sf structure will rise at the heart of campus on the site of the former Spidle Hall. The technology-rich facility will further the college's mission to imbue students with a global perspective, preparing them for high-impact careers that make meaningful contributions to society and improve quality of life for all. Uniting functions previously dispersed across eight buildings, the collaborative, interdisciplinary hub will offer dynamic settings where theory meets practice at every turn.
Completion is anticipated in summer of 2027.
| Organization | Project Role |
|---|---|
|
Perkins&Will
|
Architect
|
