The Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management is located on the newly planned West Campus. The first of 3 buildings that form the connection between the campus and newly proposed Northwood Development to the east. The west campus becomes a gateway to the residential community. The new building faces a central exterior court with a 5 story atrium offering views to it and bringing day lighting to the inner core of the building.
The exterior palate has a strong relationship to the campus context by the use of stone, glass, metal and light colored masonry. The two wings of the triangular shaped (in plan) building faces the grand atrium that is centered around two story learning stairs. A financial electronic trading lab is suspended from the upper floors, within this atrium space. The building houses classrooms and computer labs with faculty offices located on the upper floors. The facility also includes a learning kitchen, a ten room hotel and a 300 seat auditorium.
KPN Architects were tasked as Associate Architects on the project to support the design efforts for selecting and documenting the FF&E items and signage for the building. KPN worked with the various departments to develop the furniture plans and specifications. The information was documented into Form G for submission to the State of Maryland for review. KPN coordinated the plans with the Plumbing, Electrical, AV and Data consultants locate and size utility location and feeds. This information was submitted to Maryland Correctional Enterprise (MCE) for detailing, pricing and manufacturing. KPN also coordinated the building of mock up furniture and a chair fair for the end users to review and to coordinate details prior to fabrication. KPN supported the College during the procurement phase by reviewing all the furniture and equipment submittals and preparing punch lists post installation.
While working with the design team, KPN Architects developed the design standard for the interior signage and wayfinding for the building. KPN also designed and produced the code required signage. Mock ups for the signage were prepared and reviewed by the college prior to fabrication.
