New CMU facility wins recognition for its architecture

A recently constructed Carnegie Mellon University research and classroom facility has received the highest award in the architecture profession.

CMU's Gates Center for Computer Science and Hillman Center for Future-Generation Technologies has been recognized as one of nine projects worldwide to receive the 2012 American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Architecture, the university announced today.

The Gates and Hillman centers, which opened in 2009, share a joint space and are located in a challenging spot: the eastern slope of a steep valley that intersects the campus which feeds into Junction Hollow in Oakland. With five main entrances on three different levels and two major pedestrian bridges, they also serve as a crossroads tying the campus together, Jared L. Cohon, CMU's president, said in a news release.

Designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects of Atlanta, Ga., they serve as home to four departments of CMU's School of Computer Science.

"These buildings are visually stunning, but this recognition by the AIA is about more than just beauty," Mr. Cohon said in the release. "The Gates and Hillman centers occupy a key site on our campus and serve to tie the community together as never before. Inside, their spaces foster our culture of collaboration, innovation and hard work."

First published on January 9, 2012 at 2:33 pm