UL Lafayette Breaks Ground on New Engineering Building

Holly & Smith Architects, in joint venture with The Sellers Group, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new Engineering Building. This 64,700-square-foot facility is designed to meet the needs of UL Lafayette’s expanding engineering program, providing more student-oriented spaces and fostering innovation and collaboration. Once completed it will be home to the newly established Engineering Center of Excellence, or ECoE.

Strategically located per the UL Lafayette Masterplan, the new building will be the second component of a three-building quad adjacent to Oliver Hall and overlooking Girard Park. The three-story facility will house the Dean’s Suite, Student Organization Space, Engineering Center of Excellence (ECoE), and various teaching spaces, including an auditorium, makerspace, laboratory, and faculty support space. The design conforms to the master plan guidelines with brick veneer and hip roof elements while incorporating modern engineering technologies.

The building features a unique bridge form spanning a major student circulation corridor, creating an exciting covered outdoor venue connection to the existing Madison Hall, the main engineering building. The planning allows for generous student interaction and collaboration spaces on all levels, with a tiered gathering space, coined the Collaboratorium, connecting ground-level student work areas to the second level.

Designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and student success, the building and accompanying ECoE “are significant milestones in our commitment to reimagining and advancing engineering education, research, and workforce development,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering, added, “ECoE is not just a center – it’s a dynamic movement and a bold vision. It’s where education meets innovation.”

The exterior design respects the historical campus architecture while adding modern features to enhance views of the park and new quad. The building also addresses the potential for future expansion, ensuring it remains a vital part of the campus for years to come.