University of Wisconsin-Madison Breaks Ground on School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences

The University of Wisconsin-Madison broke ground in April of 2023 on a $260 million facility for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. Designed by LMN Architects and Kahler Slater, the 342,990-sf project will act as a beacon of innovation for Wisconsin’s growing tech ecosystem while meeting an increased demand for programs in robotics, cybersecurity, software design, and machine learning. The seven-story building will offer active learning classrooms, instructional labs, flexible office environments, and student wellness amenities. A soaring central atrium, vertically connected across several levels, will open onto collaboration spaces and specialized research venues to promote intellectual collisions. Fostering shared development with industry partners, the interdisciplinary structure will house the American Family Insurance Data Science Institute, the Center for Throughput Computing, and the N+1 Institute, as well as accommodating the School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics. 

Funded entirely by private donations, the sustainably designed facility is targeting LEED Platinum certification and will feature photovoltaic installations, a rainwater recycling system, and green roof terraces. The project team includes structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti, mechanical and electrical engineer Affiliated Engineers, civil engineer Graef, and plumbing engineer IBC Engineering. Occupancy is expected in 2025.