Construction of Webster University’s new East Academic Building began with a vision. Webster University enlisted the help of New York-based architect Robert A.M. Stern to design an academic building, one that could be expanded in the near future.
-Video by Bridjes O’Neil
Stern is head of Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP who specializes in institutional design. He has designed hospitals and other academic buildings in the past. St. Louis-based Mackey Mitchell architects were hired to construct the building based on Stern’s design. Webster University School of Business and Technology formed a building committee to generate design ideas for the new academic building. The building committee was comprised of SBT Dean Benjamin Akande, Associate Dean Patricia Masidonski, Director of Operations Caprice Moore and a faculty liaison.
Collaborative classrooms feature high-tech equipment
The concept behind collaborative classrooms was based upon feedback from faculty and staff. Faculty members stressed the importance of a functional and interactive learning environment between both faculty and their students. The East Academic Building, as a result, features six collaborative classrooms. There are four collaborative classrooms located on the second floor and two on the first floor. Room 239 is the only collaborative classroom with four flat screen televisions and a Crestron Touch Panel Screen Controller system, which is a touch-panel interface control pad. It is used to display information on a projection screen, play DVD/Blue-ray discs and VHS. It controls lighting, audio and there is a puck to plug in iPads or iPods.
East Academic Building designed with a purpose in mind
Future expansion could include either adjacent construction or adding on to the building itself. Craig A. Miller, Sr., Project Manager for the Department of Facilities Planning and Management said the East Academic Building was constructed in a T-shape or Quad. According to Webster Today, the official grand opening celebration which includes public tours is Wednesday, March 28. Guest speaker Stern will lecture on his 92,000-square-foot design at 4:30 p.m.
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