University of Virginia Opens School of Data Science

The University of Virginia opened the $33 million School of Data Science in April of 2024 in Charlottesville. Designed by Hopkins Architects and VMDO, the 61,000-sf facility offers collaborative environments for teaching, research, and discovery. Four adaptive classrooms equipped with integrated learning technologies will support a pedagogy based on experiential education. Illuminated by abundant natural light, the highly transparent structure includes an interactive central staircase, a double-height venue for lectures and events, and a corporate commons for collaborative development with industry partners.

Overlooking a retention pond and an outdoor amphitheater, the sustainably designed building provides faculty offices with operable windows for improved ventilation. A green roof terrace with inspiring views serves as a relaxing space for informal interaction. The project team included engineering firm Arup, cost consultant Faithful+Gould, AV/IT consultant NV5, and landscape architect DumontJanks. Gilbane Building Company broke ground in October of 2021 on the facility, which has attained LEED Gold certification.