Championing a healthier world

Considerable growth in the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment over recent years has given rise to a new space for the departments of Dietetics & Human Nutrition and Human Environmental Science, establishing a visible, modern identity for these programs. Dedicated to the pursuit of foundational knowledge about food systems and their impact on health outcomes, this facility supports instruction and research that prepares students for careers in dietetics, nutritional sciences, and a wide variety of health-related fields.

The new building is located between the academic campus to the north, student housing to the east, and the hospital and healthcare campus to the south, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship in our understanding of human health. Its design features a tall trellis canopy that shades a broad entry porch along the north glass façade, welcoming those who arrive from the academic core of campus as well as the student residences. The historic 1905 Scovell Hall occupies a portion of the site and is incorporated into the new design, reflecting the legacy of foundational structures on campus.

A professional, restaurant-grade teaching kitchen and dining space for instruction and outreach opens into the lobby and is supported by multipurpose seating along the exterior glazing. An open stair connects to the second floor's flexible, active learning classrooms and student space, as well as the Dean's suite. Faculty offices occupy the upper two floors and share an atrium that fosters connectivity with the student spaces below.

Flad Architects (architectural programming and design, interior design), JRA Architects (architect of record)