The new School of Public Policy is a highly-visible symbol of the University of Maryland’s dedication to serving the public good, not only in developing the policymakers of tomorrow, but in expanding the policy conversation to the greater university and the world beyond it. This new building will have a transformative effect on the university, establishing a unique platform for collaboration and public discourse woven thoughtfully into the fabric of campus
The four-story building at the heart of campus will bring together – for the first time under one roof – the School’s more than 90 faculty members and over 1000 undergraduates and graduate students, and serve as the headquarters for the Do Good Institute, a campus-wide hub for social innovation, philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Five state-of-the-art instructional spaces ranging in size from 25 to 150 seats, a library and a rooftop terrace are also included. The design concept is rooted in the spatial typology of the ancient Agora, the birthplace of democratic thought and public discourse. A cascading architectural form follows the natural slope of Chapel Field, forming an elegant edge to one of the signature open spaces on campus and shaping a carefully orchestrated sequence of interior spaces.
Entrances on the east and west connect within a large, communal atrium designed to encourage chance meetings, informal study and interdepartmental collaboration. Layers of academic space are tied together visually and programmatically, creating a series of adaptable, flexible learning environments. Do Good Plaza, a shared outdoor event space on the building’s east side, embraces the neighboring Purple Line station, establishing a welcoming new gateway into campus.
The sustainably designed building is expected to achieve a LEED Gold rating. Biophilic design will connect occupants to nature, reduce the building’s environmental footprint and provide healthy and productive spaces for work and study.
D2 will be providing site demolition including but limited to saw cutting, demolition and site utilities within limits of excavation, site concrete, and site asphalt paving erosion & controls, temp seeding, stabilization, temp roads, clearing and grubbing, removal and top soil, excavation, and filing.
