We are delighted to announce the unveiling of plans for a new school building, designed by Architecture Research Office. This impressive 112,000-square-foot structure has been designed to accommodate the evolving needs of our community and unprecedented growth, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, modern office spaces and vibrant amenities such as dining areas, open gathering spaces and facilities for private events. The new building will seamlessly integrate with McNair Hall, enhancing our campus environment and ensuring we continue to cultivate a collaborative culture.
The timing of construction coincides with our 50th anniversary year. It reflects our progress over five decades and our promise to the university, the city and the world that we are preparing graduates who are vital to organizations and ready to lead.
Key Stats About the New Building
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New innovative classrooms that enable cutting-edge pedagogy
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Breakout rooms for collaborative group study to spark creativity and cross-pollination of ideas
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New café with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating
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Workstations for PhD students to support academic research
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Capacity for new flexible event space to convent industry leaders for critical discussions
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Faculty offices to support our growing degree and non-degree programs.
Come On In and Look Around
Step into Rice University's new state-of-the-art facility that will serve our top-ranked MBA programs, fast-growing undergraduate business major and more. Neighboring McNair Hall, this 112,000-square-foot building promises cutting-edge classrooms, collaborative spaces and modern amenities designed for Rice's campus and business communities. The building's innovative design reflects our commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Building Supports Growing Top-Ranked Programs
We are national leaders in entrepreneurship and the top program in Texas. With new initiatives like an undergraduate major, online MBA, hybrid programs, and expanded cohorts in our full-time MBA, we are growing. Over five years, we’ve seen a 25% increase in students and a 20% rise in faculty. Our list of prestigious events like the Rice Business Plan Competition, Rice Energy Finance Summit, and Women in Leadership Conference showcases our commitment to innovation and leadership.
The new building will serve as a central hub for undergraduate business education and entrepreneurship. It will feature flexible spaces tailored for competitions, events and accelerators, fostering collaboration and idea exchange. The building will host initiatives addressing pressing global challenges including energy transition, finance and healthcare and will serve as a platform for speakers from Houston and beyond, allowing our students to connect with top organizations and minds in business.
The video above and the photo renderings courtesy of Architecture Research Office (ARO). You can check out the progress of the new building construction here.
This new building truly embodies the ambitious spirit of Rice Business, playing a pivotal role as we continue to grow our reputation as a preeminent business program. Giving us additional space to foster an environment of innovation through our classrooms, resources and course offerings sustains our commitment to attracting talented students and faculty.
Architecture Research Office (ARO) is a diverse collective united by collaboration, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. The firm, based in New York City, designs spaces that inspire people, further institutional missions and advance equity and resilience. This philosophy earned teh firm the 2020 AIA Architecture Firm Award. ARO is working with Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects on the project, and Houston-based Kirksey Architecture serves as Architect of Record.
