Middle Tennessee State University Academic Classroom Building

Bauer Askew Architecture

The intuitively articulated facade and ordered plan is created for instinctive association utilizing a composition of materials compatible with the architectural language of the campus. Overlooking the new quadrangle lawn, the three-story atrium gathers students and faculty from the east, south and west entries. This Atrium connects the first and second level academic classrooms (articulated on the building’s main facade by large expanses of windows between brick and limestone pilasters) with the third level computer and testing laboratories (identified by an alliteration of windows within architectural composite metal panels).

Walls of ribbed metal panels define the vertical volume wrapping up and over the roof to enclose the building’s mechanical penthouse. Three floors of brick-clad faculty offices, office support, and administrative suites create a consistent rhythm of openings along the West and North facades. These building faces are articulated by inset student touchdown spaces, projected conference rooms, and study nooks. A north forecourt Lobby and Study Commons connects directly to the department office suites. A series of Lecture Halls along the building’s southern edge are placed to serve and overlook the campus. The Lecture Hall Lobby views the quadrangle and opens onto the building’s forecourt.

The potential for campus wide events on the quadrangle lawn, formal or informal gatherings in the building’s forecourt (defined by the building and a freestanding brick and limestone colonnade), collaboration or individual study in the building’s multi-leveled lobbies, and spontaneous instruction within the touchdown spaces throughout the building are all created to encourage cross discipline integration.