View of a modern glass building contrasted with traditional brick architecture, showcasing a blend of contemporary and historic architectural styles.

Design For Next: The Future of Architecture & Design at KU

The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design is building a new hub for learning and collaborative discovery in the heart of campus.

The time has come to realize a truly unified and inspiring home for our programs.

BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, in collaboration with BNIM and the KU School of Architecture & Design, has unveiled a new light-filled studio building optimized for KU's hands-on educational experience.

More than just a project to create much-needed space for studios and labs, this is an opportunity to realize a special place on campus that will support, advance, and celebrate architecture and design at KU for generations to come. Embracing our unique setting on top of Mount Oread, this project will respectfully engage with the history of our buildings and campus landscape while also providing the optimal setting for future-focused inquiry and ambitious creation. 

With plans to begin construction in 2026, we are excited to share our vision for a remade home for design education at the University of Kansas 

See the project here and watch for more updates soon.

Interior view of the modern, spacious KUbe featuring wooden architectural elements, large staircases, and open-plan workstations under a creatively structured ceiling. Large windows provide a view of the evening sky.

A home to showcase a new era of inspiration and possibility

We need your help to create a unique place that will unite student programs and buildings into a remarkable, creative ecosystem. Students will participate in research using state-of-the-art technologies, collaborate across programs, gain more experience with industry and community partners, and build their future success. This project will spark awe, curiosity and inspiration across the entire KU community — and set the bar nationally— for generations to come.

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Project Pillars

  • Bird's-eye view of an open-plan office space with numerous desks, computers, and seating areas, enclosed in a modern building.

    Iconic Showcase of Creativity

    Create a world-class academic research facility that inspires playfulness and creativity.

  • Architectural rendering of a modern glass bridge connecting two traditional brick buildings, Marvin and Chalmers Hall, with several people visible inside the bridge and walking around the campus grounds.

    Environmental Stewardship

    Preserve and adapt existing spaces to minimize carbon footprint and build to embody the values KU teaches.

  • Render showing the winter bridge of the new building project.

    Connected Campus Hub

    Bring people together with contemplative spaces that foster community and encourage collaboration.

  • Interior view of a modern wooden staircase within a building, featuring a multi-level design with sharp angles and integrated lighting. A person is visible on the stairs, adding a human element to the scene.

    Innovative & Future Proof

    Leverage new and developing technology in flexible spaces that allow for growth.

News Features

Image showing Wooden CLT structure of the KUbe

The School is growing. The strategic reorganization of KU’s professional design programs into one school in 2009 has created new ground for cross-disciplinary collaboration. New programs have been created in response to industry demands. Increased partnerships with local, regional, and international firms have further enhanced the industry-engaged culture long imbedded within our two departments. And now, more prospective students are applying, and admitted students are more accomplished and prepared than ever before. 

We need more space. Beyond the buildings that have housed our two departments for decades – Architecture in Marvin Hall and Design in Chalmers Hall – the School currently occupies space in several more buildings on and off campus. Renovating existing buildings and acquiring space in additional ones have been successful responses to changing space needs thus far, but the limit has been reached. 

Spatial connections matter. The increasingly interdisciplinary nature of design creates an urgency for design schools to evolve curricula and provide experiences that prepare graduates for the realities of professional practice. The University and the School have responded with organizational and curricular innovations that have led to unprecedented success for design education at KU. But we are just getting started. To fully reach our potential, and to help more aspiring designers reach theirs, we need more space and space that is optimized for the future of design education 

tri-colored Kube logos with Design for next lockup
Several people are walking and interacting in a modern outdoor plaza with lush trees and landscaped greenery. Some individuals are engaged with their mobile devices, while others are conversing or walking. The setting includes contemporary architecture.

For project updates, watch this webpage and follow the KU School of Architecture & Design on Facebook,Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For inquiries contact arcd-news@ku.edu.

For more information on how to give, contact Whitney Escalante, Assistant Vice President, Development wescalante@kuendowment.org