The Award-Winning Harker Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE) building was designed between 2009-2010 by Ayers Saint Gross , a private multidisciplinary design firm of architects, landscape architects, planners, and graphic designers. Most of their work is for colleges and universities, such as college master plans and new spaces and places to fit within the campus landscape. Ayers Saint Gross acted as a consultant for the University of Delaware, and led the design of the ISE building and landscape.
Awards Won
- Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Maryland Chapter – in recognition of outstanding professional achievement
- Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter, 2015 Professional Awards Program General Design Category – in recognition of outstanding professional achievement
Design Inspiration
The goal of the design is to unite the indoors with the outdoors via large windows and a landscaped courtyard. A main part of the courtyard has benches in the gardens, so teaching can take place outside as well as inside. The building ties back to the historical Georgian architecture throughout the campus, yet creates a new aesthetic for the engineering precinct including the use of granite and metals. Problem based learning classrooms facilitate multidisciplinary group work and creativity. The building design marks a place for environmental stewardship, forward thinking, innovation, and collaboration.