Best Higher Education/Research: Clemson University Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
Situated in the heart of campus, the 176,000-sq-ft predominantly brick and glass double-tower structure is more than twice the size of the previous home of the College of Business. The North and South towers are connected above ground by an expansive outdoor piazza-inspired stairway that leads to an entry plaza overlooking the university’s historic landscape.
The future-focused facility offers a collaborative, inspiring space for students and educators alike, while also facilitating enhanced interface between academics and industry. A signature feature is a financial trading floor, complete with a double-row stock ticker, that helps finance students learn the nuances of trading stocks and securities. The building also achieves ambitious sustainability goals, with electronic dynamic glass, harvested wood components and a sophisticated HVAC control system. DPR repurposed trees from the site into wood sills, paneling, flooring, benches and tables.