Urbahn’s design for the new School of Business reflects and reinforces the campus’ transformation from an agricultural institute to a college of applied science and technology. The siting of the three-story building returns coherency to the heart of the campus by helping to define its main quadrangle. The design, with its idiosyncratic animated façade and distinctive entrance, brings new energy to Farmingdale’s academic core. Community spaces are interwoven throughout the building, including a lively atrium doubling as an events area, and an amphitheater/social space integrated into the feature stairway. To catalyze interaction, faculty offices are located opposite classrooms, and each floor incorporates both active and contemplative lounges. The classrooms themselves are designed to catalyze collaboration; several large classrooms are tiered around a central teaching position, and the smaller classrooms are designed as intimate reconfigurable venues.
