ArcD Facilities

Completed in 2014, The Forum in many ways defines and connects our school’s history, present, and future. Designed and built by ArcD students in the Studio804 program, this LEED Platinum-certified glass, steel, and timber structure sits directly centered between the two campus buildings that have long been home to our academic departments.

Located directly on historic Jayhawk Boulevard, Marvin Hall offers connections to most ArcD campus facilities, resources, and people. The four-level building is home to the school’s administrative offices, academic support services, along with various studios, classrooms, and multidisciplinary learning and research facilities.

Connected to Marvin Hall by an elevated walkway known as “The Bridge," Chalmers Hall is a large and bustling building where creative practice and output is in full view. This longtime home to Department of Design academic programs, studios, and faculty offices, also holds multidisciplinary labs, common areas, galleries, and amenities that support the whole ArcD student experience.

The Center for Design Research (CDR) is a working laboratory and incubator that brings together KU students, faculty, and industry representatives. Located on KU’s West Campus on the site of a former dairy farm, CDR facilities are housed within a repurposed historic stone barn and farmhouse, and a LEED Platinum-certified building completed in 2011 by KU Studio 804 design-build students.

Marvin Studios (more commonly referred to as “The Mud Hut”) is home to studios, presentation space, and advanced digital fabrication labs. Students in both departments have opportunities to gain experience using advanced computer systems and automated tools to create 3D prototypes, manufacture products, and research innovative material applications.

Directly across Jayhawk Boulevard from Marvin Hall, Snow Hall houses architecture and interior architecture studio and presentation spaces, offices, and a computer lab. Located in a unified space overlooking Potter Lake and Memorial Stadium on the first floor of Snow Hall, facilities include large studio spaces, a flexible presentation gallery, and is home to PhD in Architecture student offices.