Paul G. Allen Center

for Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington

/ Work / Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering / .

The design responds to an unusual tear in campus fabric (previously unfinished building project), an adjacent historic tree grove, and UW CS&E’s entrepreneurial culture to create a highly interactive, flexible interior environment that supports innovative, interdisciplinary research activities.

The “L-shaped” plan adjoins the existing building to form a day-lighted internal courtyard that functions as a cafe, central gathering area and multi-purpose events space. Research workrooms, offices and classrooms, computer laboratories and administrative spaces are laterally organized to reinforce the Center’s collaborative investigations and continually evolving team structures.

The architectural expression—through use of materiality, scale, proportion and detail—mediates between the neo-gothic character of older central campus buildings and the modern functionality of the program. A system of external sunshades forms a vertical trellis that eliminates problematic glare and optimizes day-lighting of computer-intensive offices. Natural, warm-tone interior materials, combined with systematic organization and expression of building systems, create an interior character and sense of place that embodies the open, intellectually and socially vigorous culture of UW CS&E.

Location

Seattle, Washington

Status

Completed 2003

Size

165,000 sf; 16,000 sf renovation

Users

CS&E, Electrical Engineering Dep't

LMN Architects