On May 9, officials with Rice University broke ground on a new building for the Jones Graduate School of Business, meant to support the school's growing student and faculty populations and nurture the next generation of global business leaders, per a May 10 news release.

The details

Officials said the 112,000-square-foot building addition is set to be completed in 2026. To meet the demands of evolving modes of teaching and learning, as well as promote collaboration among students, faculty and visiting professionals, the release said the new building will feature:
  • Two 120-seat classrooms
  • Two 65-person classrooms
  • Office and open gathering spaces
  • Dining areas
  • Facilities for private events
Officials with the New York City-based design firm Architecture Research Office said they aim to combine innovative designs and interiors with the business school's historic layout—which includes the already existing 160,000-square-foot McNair Hall.
Architecture Research Office will integrate modern designs with the historical layout of the existing McNair Hall to create an innovative space. (Rendering courtesy Architecture Research Office)
Architecture Research Office will integrate modern designs with the historical layout of the existing McNair Hall to create an innovative space. (Rendering courtesy Architecture Research Office)
This expansion will form a new academic complex to redefine the campus' western quad and the edge of its central axis. Per the release, the new facility will wrap the south and west sides of the McNair building and establish dramatic, three-story convening spaces adjacent to the current facades.

“With the opportunity to design this new building on Rice’s historic –and exceptionally beautiful–campus comes an enormous responsibility,” said Stephen Cassell, ARO Principal-in-Charge on the project, in a statement. “Our task is to deliver an integrated and contextual yet forward-looking structure that embodies Rice Business’s focus on the future as it continues to grow.”



Diving in deeper

The new building's design includes serrated brick to both deflect heat and create a visual rhythm of old and new materials, according to the release. Herringbone patterns and areas of glazed red brick will offer modern interpretations to the traditional materials used in the construction of McNair Hall—including its red clay tile roof and cast-stone trim.

The structure will enclose Woodson Courtyard with a glass facade and skylit roof, transforming it into an atrium. A sculptural steel staircase will lead to the second floor, where there will be a 180-person event space.

As a new central hub for the campus, the space will be adaptable throughout the year for casual gatherings and formal events, according to the release.
As a new central hub for the campus, the space will be adaptable throughout the year for casual gatherings and formal events, according to the release. (Rendering courtesy Architecture Research Office)
As a new central hub for the campus, the new building will be adaptable throughout the year for casual gatherings and formal events, according to the release. (Rendering courtesy Architecture Research Office)
Quote of note


Peter Rodriguez, dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business, said in the release that his team is energized by the momentum of the school's new programs, the addition of new faculty and students, and a fresh outlook on the future.

“Our commitment is to attract more talented and innovative students, faculty and staff to Rice, who will further improve our programs and research capabilities," Rodriguez said in a statement. "This wonderful new building is critical to fulfilling that commitment.”