Kennesaw State University, Design II Architecture Studio Addition

Marietta, GA

The 14,600 square foot Design II Architecture Studio addition at Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia addition houses the Department of Architecture’s second year design studios. The Architecture Program offers a 5-year professional degree in Architecture and is the only 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program in the State of Georgia. The building site rests on a hillside that slopes down fifteen feet below the existing first year studio building. Therefore, the roof terrace of Design II rests at the first floor elevation of the existing building, creating a green roof patio and outdoor classroom shared between the two buildings. The curriculum for second year students explores design, materials and methods, building systems, and building construction. A principle design objective of this addition is to provide instructors a teaching tool, demonstrating fundamental concepts of construction and material use. For example, the building features a brick multi-dimensional rain screen wall to demonstrate a creative and flexible use of brick as a construction material. By minimizing typical interior finishes, such as drywall and suspended ceiling systems, the design allows students to easily understand how many types of structural and building components work.