University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information Renovation

The University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information (Pitt SCI) needed a temporary location to occupy for the next few years while the department develops a permanent home. This project brings all faculty, staff, graduate students, and Ph.D. candidates together in a single location. As a place of transition for the SCI, the space offers flexibility and the opportunity to experiment with various workstyles. Most importantly, the new workspace creates a collaborative environment by facilitating interaction between all occupant types.

In early visioning sessions, the design team used precedent images and emotional response exercises to establish the foundation of the interior design theme. Stakeholders gravitated toward a photo of a campfire in the woods, which inspired the organization of collaborative spaces in the middle of the floor, surrounded by more private focus rooms. A maker space showcases the innovation and collaboration of students and faculty at the SCI.

---

Details

Architecture Firm: IKM Architecture

Project Team: Jonathan Lusin, AIA, LEED AP; Samara Wheaton; Alek Kirchmann, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Client: University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information

Engineers: Barton Associates, Inc., Lawrence Zdinak - MEP Engineer

Photographer: Adam Warner, IKM Architecture

Consultants: Dobil Laboratories, John Williams - Audio/Visual Consultant