james m. mckelvey, sr.The Hall is one of the newest buildings on Washington University's historic, 125-year-old campus in St. Louis, which creates a flexible, interdisdisciplinary, energy-efficient, and sustainable environment for world-class computing research and education. Designed for adaptability and rapid change, the new headquarters of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering provides a model for interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering student engagement and high-impact research for future computer scientists and engineers. 
The new building replaces a huge surface parking lot and is located in a prominent corner of the historic campus, along a formal alleyway, with a vehicular entrance fixed and the historic axial landscape framed toward the center of the campus. The new building is physically connected to the existing Gothic university campus buildings. The outer perimeter responds to traditional campus architecture, while the newly formed inner courtyard adopts a transparent and informal language that reflects the innovative research underway within the building, while responding to the recent contemporary campus expansion
The project seeks to resonate with its environment and place, complementing tradition and modernity. McKelvey Hall is central to the university's academic mission of research, teaching, and discovery, following an "L" shaped plan that includes faculty offices, research workspaces and labs, and student collaboration spaces. The exterior facing the edge of the campus features a combination of Missouri red granite and limestone, with unique pattern detailing that blends seamlessly with the university's masonry and collegiate Gothic architecture. 
Facing north and west to the McKelvey School of Engineering courtyard, the interior is clad in modern glass curtain walls. The interior of the building echoes this duality, with office and administrative interiors synchronized with the building's traditional collegiate Gothic façade, with an open, flexible concept through a multi-storey façade facing the courtyard. The various research disciplines are connected to each other by a series of communication staircases that are clustered in the public space. 
Sustainability is an important concern for Washington's camps, facilities, and landscapes. The new building in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering focuses on sun direction and shading, abundant natural light, high-performance façade design, and energy efficiency, enhancing student productivity and well-being while supporting the university's operational goals and commitment to sustainability. McKelvey Hall follows an integrated design process that incorporates sustainable design principles with a focus on energy efficiency, low-impact materials, reuse and**, quality and durability, and health and wellness. The building's goal is to meet or exceed LEED 40 gold v.4 Standards. 
Project Overview. Project Architect: Perkins Eastman.
Project Floor Area: 86,400 sq. ft.
Project Horror Years: 2021.
Project photo: Paul Rivera.
Project Landscape Architect: Michael Vergason Landscape Architect.
Project Structural Engineering: KPFF
Civil Engineering: Cole.
Mechatronic engineering: Ross & Barruzzini
Construction Management: McCarthy Construction.
Lighting Design: Vista Lighting Design.