Several publications have recently written articles discussing the new Capitol Federal Hall School of Business at The University of Kansas.
Capitol Federal Hall
New Business School at the University of Kansas Opens
Last month, the University of Kansas opened the doors of its new, “future ready” business school, Capitol Federal Hall.
The new facility provides state-of-the-art learning environments for graduate and professional students – creating an innovative space different than any other building on campus. By rethinking the role of the university in a student’s professional development and encouraging interdepartmental networking, students are introduced to countless opportunities on a daily basis.
GastingerWalker& worked collaboratively with Gensler, the Design Architect on the project, from the very beginning through building completion. “The design concepts were always first and foremost in our overall construction documentation,” said Kevin Harden, AIA, Managing Partner at GastingerWalker&. “The budget was tight and the schedule a challenge. We creatively figured out ways to get more with less money from the design of the building skin to the right sizing of the corridors and classrooms. There was not a square foot in excess in the overall design."
The building features 166,500 square feet of cutting-edge technology, 21 classrooms, a 350-seat auditorium, and over 25 different collaborative spaces. Flexible rooms, moveable furniture and a four-story central atrium allow for teachers and students to interact in a new manner, encouraging connection and potential for ideas. The key focus of this non-traditional layout is on innovation and collaborative spaces.
Openness, natural light, changing views, and accessibility were integral to the design of this building, as well as opportunities for serendipitous encounters. “We are already seeing the success in attracting students to the business school from conversations with individuals who now plan on taking business classes as well as others who want to return for their Masters degree to be in this building," said Dan Nenonen, AIA, Partner at GastingerWalker&.
This significant, student-oriented design creates a unique culture and inspires an entrepreneurial spirit. Capitol Federal Hall accommodates a number of emerging initiatives that will carry the reputation of the institution into the coming century.
- Kyle Waggoner
Capitol Federal Hall - University of Kansas
Environments can have a big impact on behavior. Watch Dean Neeli describe the impact.
Sol LeWitt's Wall Drawing
Among the many unique pieces of art on display at Capitol Federal Hall is Sol LeWitt’s “Wall Drawing 519”. Almost all of the artwork in the building has a distinct connection to the state of Kansas and the University of Kansas.
Solomon "Sol" LeWitt (September 9, 1928 – April 8, 2007) was an American artist linked to various movements, including Conceptual art and Minimalism.
LeWitt came to fame in the late 1960s with his wall drawings and "structures" (a term he preferred instead of "sculptures") but was prolific in a wide range of media including drawing, printmaking, photography, and painting. He has been the subject of hundreds of solo exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world since 1965.* - Wikipedia
Landscape Architect Talks About Capitol Federal Hall's Green Roof
The custom-built LiveRoof® green roof system at Capitol Federal Hall at The University of Kansas's new School of Business has taken shape. Teresa Nelson, landscape architect, discusses the complex process and environmental benefits of this 7,000 SF element of the new building.
LiveRoof is a patented, subterranean modular system that unites soil and plants creating a beautiful, meadow-like aesthetic. These green roofs provide numerous, significant environmental benefits:
. Reduces stormwater runoff by 50 – 90 percent
. Lowers interior sound levels by as much as 40 decibels
. Improves air filtration; one square foot of green roof can filter seven ounces of dust and smog per year. Plant photosynthesis also reduces greenhouse gases in the air
. Increases roof life; soil and plants provide a protective barrier, along with a waterproof roof lining, to extend roof life by as much as 200-300 percent.