LERA was the structural engineer for a new 113,000-sf, 5-building academic complex containing a master’s residence and residential suites for graduate students and visiting faculty, as well as common spaces and amenities, such as a café, a lounge, classrooms and computer rooms. The complex also features a landscaped amphitheater sited on the east side, green roofs and sunken courtyards.

The buildings were designed to use 30% less energy than what would be expected under current building codes. Sustainability features include rainwater harvesting, an energy-efficient HVAC system and a waterproofing membrane topped by soil and vegetation.

LERA also performed a study to evaluate an alternative design using precast concrete planks on a structural steel frame.