University of New Mexico Completes Farris Engineering Center Renovation

The University of New Mexico opened the renovated Farris Engineering Center in Albuquerque in January of 2018. The $25.5 million project utilized the concrete structural skeleton of the original building that was constructed in 1967 to create a collaborative environment with ample natural light for the departments of chemical and biological engineering, computer science, and nuclear engineering. Providing technology-rich teaching and research labs, conference rooms, staff and student offices, study areas, computer labs, server rooms, and event spaces, the facility features electrochromic glazing that electronically adjusts to manage solar radiation. Designed by RMKM Architecture and built by Bradbury Stamm, the project included the renovation of 67,000 sf and the addition of 10,000 sf to the first floor, as well as the creation of 25,000 sf of shell space. The sustainably designed facility utilizes highly efficient building systems and LED lighting, with over 85 percent of construction waste being recycled.