NAU W.A. Franke College of Business
DETAILS
The W.A. Franke College of Business structure is partially below grade at the 1st floor, steel joists and beams create architectural statements at the roof level and at the interior open stairways rising 4-stories. A 4-story atrium space, which extends the full length of the north side of the building, is primarily glass, which provides natural light. Mechanical systems are located on a large mezzanine above the 4th floor. The building achieved LEED Gold certification.
EDUCATIONAL STUDY PROGRAMS
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Computer Information Systems
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
BUILDING FEATURES
- Building: One, 4-Story with Mezzanine
- 4-Story Atrium Space
- 4-Story Open Stairway
- Natural Daylighting
- Shade Louvers, Overhangs, Screen Mesh
- 5 Computer Laboratories
- 200 Seat Auditorium
- Multi-use Common Areas
- Administrative Offices
- Café with Outdoor Plaza
- Student Lounges
DESIGN FEATURES
- Designed around communication and collaboration between students, faculty, and outside organizations.
- The grand central staircase cascades through open floors and promotes visibility and communication.
- Innovative front porches provide short-term, technology-rich collaboration spaces at the entryways of classrooms and computer labs.
- Break out areas provide team-oriented, longer-term collaboration spaces with technology.
- Career Development Office promotes student engagement with employers.
- Business Communications Center provides resources to help students develop strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Full wireless Internet access throughout the building.
- In-house information technology student help desk.
US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL LEED RATING
- Certification Level: Gold
Energy efficiency
- Natural ventilation replenishes air quality.
- Concrete floors act as thermal mass, capturing cold night air and providing natural cooling during summer days.
- Natural lighting available in over 75 percent of working areas.
- Motion detectors manage all office lighting.
- Computer-controlled hallway lighting levels.
Construction
- All floors were constructed using 18-inch raised flooring to house electrical, data, water, and ventilation.
- Concrete pillars provide a load-bearing structure.
- Non-load-bearing walls are easily remodeled, extending the building’s lifespan.
STRUCTURAL SERVICES
- Comprehensive structural systems designed using 3D structural modeling software
- Value engineering
- Construction administration
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
- Gravity System: Steel Joists & Beams, Precast Beams
- Lateral System: Concrete Shear Walls