Goergen Institute for Data Science / Wegmans Hall

The Goergen Institute for Data Science at Wegmans Hall is the signature focus of the University of Rochester’s Strategic Plan to leverage information technology in a new educational model for cross-disciplinary research and innovation. The building’s massing unites two campus geometries, completing the Science & Engineering Quadrangle while offering a new public face to the Genesee River. A generous public circulation route sequentially links large vertically glazed double-height collaboration spaces which “breakthrough” the masonry envelope on the east, south and west facades to frame views of important campus landmarks. The masonry envelope features a unique pattern of brickwork inspired by computer coding matrices which projects from the main building mass to create a dynamic and ever-changing play of light and texture on the façade. Designed to LEED Silver standards, the facility provides labs, smart classrooms, collaboration spaces, offices and a large auditorium across four floors.

Client: University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, NY
Size: 59,000 SF (New Construction)
Status: Completed 2017
Honors & Awards: 2019 AIA New York State Design Award Citation; 2017 Brick in Architecture Gold Award
Publications: Architectural Record “Pushing the [Brick] Envelope;” Architect Magazine; ArchDaily.com

Mr. Shelly was the Lead Designer, Project Architect & Project Manager on the project while employed at Kennedy & Violich Architecture.

The new building anchors UR’s Science & Engineering Quads with collaborative lounges strategically situated within the building to take advantage of views to the quad, Genesee River and Library.

The window patterning and ornamental exterior brickwork are inspired by punch cards and computer coding matrices to provide a signature façade that reflects the research conducted within the building.

A custom-designed CNC-milled “data wall” carries the digital ornament into the auditorium and adjacent spillover space while providing acoustical performance.

Double-height spaces are strategically within the building promote exchange and chance encounters will allowing daylight deep into the building interior.

The monumental steel stair unravels into a bench and desk to define an informal collaboration area.

The projecting bricks create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the facades that change over the course of the day and the seasons.