The Foster School of Business is in the midst of a transformation, with a clearly articulated vision to become the top public business school in the nation. The overriding purpose of this multi-phase project is to convert the school’s current collection of outdated facilities-through new construction and renovation-into a cohesive education complex that embodies its educational focus of leadership development, strategic thinking and collaboration. The project includes two new, interconnected buildings: the privately funded 133,000 SF Paccar Hall (Phase I); and a publicly funded 63,000 SF building that replaces 1960’s era Balmer Hall (Phase II).

Also included is renovation of the subterranean Foster Business Library, which repositions its primary entrance to link directly with the central activity zone of Paccar Hall.

The design responds to the program’s strong emphasis on social connectivity and its active central campus site with a high degree of porosity—in terms of both visual and functional relationships. A four-story, day-lighted atrium runs the entire length of Paccar Hall. Primary entrances are knitted into the pedestrian flow of the campus, with views, topography and landscape embraced as integrated elements in the architectural experience. The exterior expression is a direct response to the functional needs of modern business education and environmental influences, while responding to adjacent historic campus buildings with compatible materiality, scale and proportion.

Design Approach

At the heart of the Foster School of Business’ transformation is the concept of integrated communities, where the social environment, natural environment and campus landscape are embraced as interrelated influences in the architectural experience. Common areas are organized as a series of interconnected spaces that function in many different combinations—from small groups to large gatherings, encompassing a full spectrum of informal student activities, regular programs and special events.

The central atrium within Paccar Hall works as a collector of community activity and social heart of the school, perceptually as well as functionally. Extensive day-lighting, transparency and views to the surrounding campus and landscape create a sense of openness and connectivity. A modern sensibility of materiality and detail is expressive of the school’s progressive business education philosophy.

Transparency – The design for Paccar Hall creates a strong sense of transparency— both visually and functionally. Extensive use of glass (appropriately shielded from direct solar glare) captures abundant daylight throughout the central atrium and common interaction spaces, instilling an overall spaciousness that blurs the distinction between inside and outside.