University of Kansas School of Business

The KU School of Business, Capitol Federal Hall, is built to cultivate future business ideas and future business leaders. But can architecture affect events? We believe that, and so did dean Neeli Bendapudi and needless to say, design architect Gensler. They have created spaces for growth – as you enter the spacious atrium, there’s room for thought. Daylight is flooding in. And the transparency of the open space makes it easy to see where to take those ideas further. Whether it’s to the project group sitting in one of the incubators, faculty members having a cup of coffee or fellow students gathered in the lounge. 

Dynamics. Earthy, natural colors in brown, grey and airy white provide a calm base to the energetic KU-blue that bounces of wall elements or furniture fabrics. Art is exhibited throughout. The concrete and weathering steel on the exterior are also reflected in the flooring and the zigzagging staircase in the interior. The polished concrete and powdery rusty steel meet materials like coated aluminum and dark wood. As a contrast, smooth white Fellert Even Better Silk acoustic plaster ceilings run uninterruptedly above it all. High verticals, low horizontals. A true Crafted Acoustics moment.

It’s when people are exposed to friction within a building – between materials and textures, light and shadow, students and entrepreneurs, disciplines and mindsets, facts and art – that unexpected things happen. It is truly an honor to be a part of this amazing construction and seeing our acoustic ceilings adding a canvas of calm, focus, and framing. 

Designed by Gensler & Gastinger Walker Harden + BeeTriplett Buck. Installed by Delta Construction, LLC. 

Photo: Garrett Rowland

Links: Capitol Federal Hall