Many thanks to the team at NBBJ for carefully considering these questions from the gallery.
Q: What most attracted NBBJ to this project?
A: Two things attracted us to the project. First, the scholarly tradition of a Jesuit education was very powerful. We believed that there would be a sincere interest and a great partnership in creating a project that would really make a difference for the school. Second, the values of the University and the Firm were so aligned. USF’s mission is “Educating minds and hearts to change the world”. NBBJ’s mission is “To shape a future that enhances life and inspires human potential and spirit through design”. How much better could that crossover get?
Q: What was the biggest surprise?
A: For us, it has been the level of openness, trust, transparency and collaboration amongst all of the USF participants that have been a part of this project. Everyone at USF is into this project in the most positive way! It is so much easier to design well in that atmosphere. It makes the project fascinating and motivating every day. Learning, creativity and collaboration soar in those kinds of extraordinary circumstances.
Q: How did your team try to mitigate interrupting views on lower campus?
A: Consideration of views to, from and along the Center for Science and Innovation was key to our process as the project will inhabit the geographic center of the campus. As such, the project will be at the epicenter of social activity. To preserve and enhance the visual and physical connectivity in this area, the team observed and mapped the existing circulation pathways as well as the visual “markers” such as the Church. Once complete, we overlayed programmatic elements to identify those that could occupy upper and lower levels so that the volume of the enclosed spaces on the ground floor would be as minimal as possible. With this information in hand, we used 3-dimensional and physical modeling tools as well as photorealistic renderings to analyze optimal shapes that would sculpt the site in ways that preserve view corridors that are accentuated by pedestrian movement.
Q: Will there be grassy spaces for students?
A: Yes, absolutely. One of our earlier observations was the frequent use of Harney Green as a gathering place. The project provides a wide range of landscaped areas that provide places to rest on the grass, sit on a bench and/or commune with nature. In some ways, we have preserved the spirit of the Green and enhanced it by expanding its use beyond a lawn… it’s an outdoor ecological classroom intended to highlight regional planting palettes and attract local bird species. To maximize opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, we have also placed a grass roof over the largest teaching space. You will be able to meander from the tree-lined Campus Walk right on to the roof!
Q: For an architect, what is the most exciting result in this design?
A: The results will come when the building is in place and a true Center for Science and Innovation is born. More than anything else, we look forward to observing how the building transforms a culture by facilitating life-changing experiences and learning opportunities (both planned and unplanned!)
Huzza! For those of you attending the California Prize Dinner tomorrow, look to meet some of the NBBJ team, as they’re joining us in celebrating service and the common good.
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