Central Academic Building
The new main building at Texas A&M University-San Antonio is the second commission for Alta Architects on the campus of this fast growing Hispanic serving institution. “New Main” is an eclectic architecture that reflects the increasingly rich intersection of Spanish and indigenous design of San Antonio’s southern sector best exemplified by the Spanish Missions newly inscribed as a “World Heritage Site”. The main building sets the character for the campus fabric and has already been recognized for it’s distinct identity based upon the cultural heritage of the region.
The Central Academic Building evolves the aesthetics of the existing Multipurpose Building. The Central Academic Building is an iconic presence on the skyline of San Antonio and creates a significant brand presence for Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
The iconic image of the University is emboldened by the visual axis created by the vehicular and future pedestrian approach on University Way. As the campus grows, the building will continue to dominate the mixed-use development which will contextualize the campus. The Central Academic Building is the foundation for all future projects providing a covenant of Spanish influenced classical architecture. The building defines the pedestrian ways and green spaces that will be linked throughout the entire campus. The public space is enhanced by the new plaza which is formed on three sides by the Central Academic building and opens to the elliptical mall directly to the north.
Most of the building’s specialized functions are located on the first level. Immediately upon entering the through the grand four story arches, a visitor sees a grand lobby in the center and the central vertical circulation of the building. A portion of the ceiling of the lobby opens to the Library above. A new campus theater adjoins the main building at the first level through the strategic location of an intimately scaled courtyard.
LOCATION:
San Antonio, Texas
PROJECT OWNER:
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
CONSTRUCTION COST:
$54 Million
SIZE: 207,347 SF
SCOPE: New Construction
COMPLETION DATE: June 2014
FIRM’S RESPONSIBILITY:
Prime Architect
SERVICES:
Full service architectural and interior design services and FF&E
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE/ PROJECT DESIGNER:
Geoffrey S. Edwards, AIA, LEED AP
PROJECT MANAGER:
Casey Annunzio, AIA
PROJECT ARCHITECT:
Casey Annunzio, AIA
CONSULTANTS:
MEP: Shah Smith Engineers
Electrical: CNG Engineering, Inc.
Structural: R-S-C-R, Inc.
Civil: Briones Engineering, Inc.
Telecom/Security: Datacom
A.V./ Theater: WJHW
Landscape: Bender Wells Clark Design
Environmental: Raba Kistner
CONTRACTOR:
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors