Isom, the university that opens with the domino effect

The BIG studio, Bjarke Ingels Group, is designing the new expansion and partial renovation of the Isenberg School of Management. The Business Innovation Hub is a building clad in copper that adds study areas and social space, almost doubling the school's area.

A BIG project in the heart of the campus

The Business Innovation Hub is the new project designed by BIG for the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Located in the heart of the campus, it represents a significant expansion of the Isenberg School of Management, which has experienced exponential growth in the last ten years. The building nearly doubles the existing space and introduces innovative spaces for over 150 employees and 5,000 students. The project stands out for its integrated approach, combining functionality and architectural identity, offering new educational environments, common areas designed to encourage interaction and collaboration.

A dramatic entrance and a connected structure

The main entrance is characterized by a triangular glass entrance, a dynamic architectural gesture inspired by the domino effect, inviting students inside. The building from 1964 is expanded on two sides, north and east, thanks to a curved volume that develops into a continuous ring, connected to the upper floors to ensure maximum accessibility. Outside, a series of vertical pillars wraps around the facade and gradually slopes downward, defining the architectural rhythm and creating a strong visual identity.

A copper cladding between sustainability and durability

One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the external copper cladding, which adds warmth and materiality to the intervention. This material was chosen not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its sustainable qualities: with exposure to weathering, the copper will naturally transition from a dark ochre to a durable patina, a sign of the passage of time. The Business Innovation Hub has been designed to withstand the test of time and aims to achieve LEED Silver certification, confirming the project's focus on environmental themes.

Spaces designed for interaction and flexibility

All the indoor spaces of the Business Innovation Hub are designed to promote interaction between students and teachers. The common areas are furnished with soft seating, benches along the stairs, and modular classrooms that easily transform into spaces for group work or conferences. On the upper floors are the innovation labs, where students can collaborate directly with teachers and staff. This approach fosters a dynamic and engaging educational experience, aligned with the needs of contemporary times.

A central courtyard as the beating heart of the project

The heart of the project is the inner circular courtyard, a green oasis that becomes a place for socializing and contemplation. Here, stone benches and an outdoor garden provide a space to relax or discuss ideas in an informal setting. The courtyard is accessible through two pathways that connect the historic Isenberg building and the new Business Innovation Hub: a copper-clad bridge that serves as the entrance portal, and a glass bridge that maintains a visual connection between the two structures, creating a seamless transition between past and future.