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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management

A dynamic, sculptural addition energizes the business school program and creates a new visual identity to anchor its growing community.

  • Location

    • Amherst, MA

    Size

    • 70,000 GSF Addition
    • 8,000 GSF Renovation

    Program

    • Atrium, classrooms, faculty offices, meeting rooms, courtyard, cafe

    Practice area

    Certifications

    • LEED Gold Certified

    Awards

    • Prix Versailles Award

A new Business Innovation Hub designed for teamwork

This expansion nearly doubles Isenberg’s capacity with hyper-collaborative study and social spaces that form a new Business Innovation Hub at the heart of campus. Every space was designed for student interaction: comfortable seating fills the sun-soaked corridors, classroom furniture easily reconfigures for lectures or small-group work sessions, and the heart of the complex—a multi-story Student Commons—doubles as an event venue for guest speakers, banquets, and career fairs. Interior programs surround an open-air courtyard that creates an oasis for collaboration and contemplation.

The addition unites all Isenberg departments, previously spread across campus, under one roof.
The Hub offers new technology-rich classrooms, including a business analytics lab.
An open-air courtyard at the center of the addition creates a unique outdoor gathering space.
The learning commons doubles as an event space for business school functions and seminars.
The addition connects to the existing structure on the north and west to form a sculptural loop.

A dramatic form energizes the business school program

Prominently situated on Haigis Mall near the campus entrance, the striking copper and glass form is defined by a cascading, domino-effect appearance. The addition connects to the existing building in a loop around a courtyard, consolidating Isenberg’s faculty and staff under one roof and creating a strong visual identity and counterpoint to the neighboring Fine Arts Center. During the day, natural light peers between the rhythmic pillars to illuminate interior programs. In the evening, a compelling inverse relationship is revealed; the Business Innovation Hub glows from within and provides a lasting, inviting impression on the campus community.

Project impact
  • 90%

    Of regularly occupied spaces have access to exterior views. Individual lighting and temperature controls allow occupants to adjust for personal comfort.

  • 84%

    Of construction waste was diverted from the landfill and 34% of materials were extracted, processed, and manufactured regionally.

The Business Innovation Hub further strengthens our importance to Boston by providing space and facilities to welcome guests for events and career exploration.
Kumble R. SubbaswamyUMass Amherst Chancellor

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Collaborator

Bjarke Ingels Group

Project Team

Acentech

Arup

B-G Mechanical Contractors

Briggs Engineering & Testing

Dimeo Construction

Haley & Aldrich

Herter Design Group

HLB Lighting Design

Hopkins Foodservice Specialists

L.N. Consulting

Lerch Bates

MoharDesign

National Enclosure Company

Nitsch Engineering

PEER Consultants

Precision Land Surveying

RSE Associates

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Tighe & Bond

Towers Golde

Vantage Technology Consulting Group

VAV International

VJ Associates

Wil-Spec

Photographer

Max Touhey

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