Dillard University Professional Schools Building
Project Information
- Owner Dillard University
- Design Madison Madison International with Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects
- Size 130,000 Square Feet
- Budget $40,000,000
- Completion January 2010
In the News
- Woodward Project Makes the “Best of” List
1 Apr 2011
Dillard University is a prime example of one of Woodward’s long standing and continuing relationships. When Dillard was ready to proceed with a "flagship" building, they naturally turned to the trusted team at Woodward Design+Build to head up the effort. The Professional Schools Building is located on the historic campus in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 3-story, 130,000 square foot new construction serves not only as a 21st century gateway building for the University, but also as the key campus point for possible future expansion.
The Professional Schools Building houses classrooms, laboratories and offices for business and science faculty and students. The Engineering Group helped in developing ways to include flexible auditoriums and public spaces that can be easily switched from single smaller use spaces for lectures and teaching to larger open spaces for special events. Nursing students have a high tech teaching simulation lab fully mirroring a working hospital. The community outreach area includes a health clinic, available community spaces, and a computer lab.
Challenges on this project included designing the exterior to mesh with the historic campus’ architecture, fabricating a structure whose design incorporates unique angles and site lines, and coordinating the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems which meet LEED Gold standards. The Steel Group was a key member in helping to meet all of these challenges with successful solutions which allowed the Design+Build team to deliver this building on time and at cost.
In June 2011, the project was LEED Gold Certified by the United States Green Building Council. The project has also been awarded a South Central Construction Best of 2010 Louisiana Award of Excellence in the Green Building Category.
Thank you for your leadership in making this building the jewel in the crown at Dillard University. The Woodward team has been tremendous, and we have been very appreciative of their customer service focus in working with us to solve challenging issues. President Hughes’ vision is to clearly establish Dillard as a cathedral of learning. We have discovered ways to support to support her vision through the excellence of Woodward’s work on this facility (a cathedral in and of itself).
Walter L. Strong, PhD, Executive Vice President – Dillard University
