Engineering solutions to global challenges

The agricultural and biological engineering program at Purdue University is preparing the innovators of tomorrow with the skills that will help them solve some of the most technical challenges we face in agriculture, the environment, and in human health. Providing much needed laboratory space to support growth in both graduate and undergraduate enrollments, the new building consolidates department research that was previously spread across several campus buildings.

The project renovates the department's existing building and adds a new, 125,000-square-foot addition for research and instruction that supports a wide scope of technology-intensive programs including agricultural production, biochemistry, food sciences, and biological and ecological engineering. In addition, highly flexible labs for work involving sensors, data science, robotics and drones, and agricultural machine design further support opportunities to collaborate and solve problems across disciplines.

Having achieved LEED Silver certification, the building supports this close-knit academic community's well-being with labs and offices that let in abundant daylight, creative application of sustainable materials throughout, and spaces that support social connection. The new lobby includes a coffee kiosk and is configured to flex for many occasions – from hosting student poster sessions to welcoming visiting industry partners to the every-day study group.

Flad Architects (architectural design, laboratory programming and planning, interior design), MSKTD & Associates (architect of record, interior design)