Salisbury University
Salisbury, Md.

Completion: 2007
Size: 165,000 gsf
Cost: $40.5 million

Ayers/Saint/Gross is designing an academic center for Salisbury University that will consolidate a mix of modern uses while reinterpreting the Georgian architecture of the original campus. The new building will contain:

• The departments of education and social work
• Information Technology Services
• Student resource center
• The Learning Center, which has public clinics for adults and children
• Integrated Media Center for the faculty and students
• Student lounge with kitchen
• Meeting rooms
• Faculty curriculum development suite
• Distance learning facilities
• Head end facility for campus cable TV, distance learning, and the computer network.

The program is a mix of tiered and flat classrooms for general use, counseling, education, and digital arts. While certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was not sought, many sustainable design principles were incorporated into the center. LEED certification was tracked throughout with a project goal of reaching Basic Certification. The principles included compliance with many LEED requirements such as maximizing day-lighting in interior spaces, creating large open spaces, alternative public transport and green housekeeping.