KU set to inspire future architects with innovative KUbe construction
The maker’s KUbe begins construction in 2026. The new light-filled studio hopes to inspire future architects and designers at the University of Kansas.
The six-story mass timber building, resembling the shape of a cube, brings a hot new classroom and studio space to campus.
“It is located at a place that will give a lot of interesting spaces for students to come together for faculty and students to work together,” Mahbub Rashid, the architecture and design dean, said. “It would be a building for architects and designers to celebrate going forward.”
The design is a collaboration between Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell (BNIM), based in Kansas City, Missouri, and Bjarke Ingels, a Danish architect who focuses his pieces on sustainability.
“I like the design of the building, but the idea of an open concept can be good for learning from different classes,” Katelyn Zieglar, a junior in architecture and design said. “We could join together and talk about our designs for different projects.”
In addition to the KUbe, Marvin and Chalmers halls will also be touched up and renovated. It creates a pathway between the three buildings.
“I think the connection between the buildings is really important,” Anne Patterson, an architecture and design professor said. “It’s called the loop, which is sort of, circulation strategy for the project as a whole. I think the loop is actually a really good idea.”
With the construction starting in the new year, current students will not see the KUbe standing until the fall of 2029. The last big renovation was in 2014, so this renovation will for sure pull in more inspiring architects and designers.
