School combines modern style with academic tradition

Creating a high tech, business savvy facility on the grounds of a college founded in 1782 presents a distinct design challenge.

In designing the new Warehime School of Business at Washington College, GWWO Architects faced an additional lofty requirement: The building would be located at the intersection of the campus’ academic, athletic and residential areas, and it would be key to framing a new academic quad.

GWWO met those challenges with a design that blends modern and historic elements. While part of the building’s exterior is clad in Washington College’s standard campus brick, a large expanse of the façade is multi-story glazing.

Inside the glass, a large, linear “forum” creates a variety of gathering spaces where students, faculty, alumni and visitors can interact and engage in cross-disciplinary exchanges. A core principle of the new school is to create an interdisciplinary program that combines liberal arts education with global studies to equip students to adapt to the constantly changing business world.

At the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in April, Washington College Interim President Bryan Matthews described the new school as a “game-changer” and the building as both “timely and timeless.”

Renderings courtesy of GWWO Architects.