In 2009, construction of The University of Virginia’s newest information technology engineering building began. Rice Hall, part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, sought to provide collaborative researchers throughout the school and surrounding area with a state-of-the-art facility and new technologies.

Made possible by a gift from the Rice Family Foundation, Rice Hall advanced engineering and sciences at U.Va. Furthering the University as a hub of information technology engineering activity, the new six-story building includes a courtyard, cyber-lounge, 150-seat auditorium, a Visualization Lab for Scientific Computing, a Computer Vision and Graphics Lab, facilities to support distance education, workrooms, study areas, conference rooms, and flexible teaching and resource labs.

Additionally, Rice Hall also received LEED Silver certification and is highly recognized for its sustainable design and construction. To further compliment Bohlin Cywinski Jackson’s commended design, fabricators/installers at W.H. Stovall & Company, Inc. recommended the use of ALPOLIC ACM panels for their quality finish, color selection, and un-matched warranty. The ALPOLIC material is featured on the elliptical shaped columns at the front entrance, on the cornice and soffit panels around the perimeter, and throughout the interior stairwells of the building.

According to James H. Aylor, dean of the Engineering School, “…this building will benefit the Engineering School, the University, and citizens of the Commonwealth for years to come.”

photos © Mark Rhodes for Mitsubishi Plastics Composites America

information © W.H. Stovall & Company, Inc.