Uniting Two Schools Under One Roof at the University of Michigan’s Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building

Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Education

The Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building provides a flexible, collaborative new home for the University of Michigan’s School of Information and Computer Science and Engineering programs within the College of Engineering. Seamlessly linking the Beyster and Dow Engineering Buildings at all levels, the facility connects research and people, enriches academic culture, and creates a dynamic hub for advancements in computer science and informatics while advancing the University’s carbon neutrality goals.

Engaging University Stakeholders to Shape a High-Impact Design

The design team partnered closely with stakeholders from both the Information and Engineering colleges to successfully integrate their needs and aspirations into a unified interdisciplinary facility. The program includes teaching, research, and support spaces such as active learning classrooms, collaborative teaching environments, flexible dry and wet research laboratories, maker spaces, student services, faculty and staff offices, and conference spaces—all organized to maximize daylight and views of North Campus.

Diagram illustrates connections with Beyster and Dow Engineering

Diagram illustrates how Leinweber connects the Grove with the upper portion of the North Campus.

Common areas like the main stairs at the Grove entrance provide opportunities for spontaneous connection and collaboration.

A large lecture room can accommodate up to 200 students or be rearranged for smaller, more focused learning sessions

Uniting Multiple Disciplines to advance innovation

Shared spaces and resources create opportunities for social and academic interaction, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting the evolving needs of rapidly changing fields. Flexibly planned active learning classrooms promote engaged pedagogy, while public gathering areas cultivate community, strengthen synergy, and provide venues to showcase ongoing research and innovation.

Natural light streams through bright study spaces, offering North Campus views.

Michigan’s first large-scale all-electric academic buildings supporting campus carbon neutrality goals

Sustainable strategies include planted roof areas, integrated rainwater management systems, and an adjacent geo-exchange facility that supplies the building’s heating and a portion of its cooling. As one of the University’s first large-scale all-electric academic buildings, the project eliminates reliance on natural gas for heating and represents a major step toward the University of Michigan’s campus-wide carbon neutrality goals.