Notre Dame Matthew and Joyce Walsh Family Hall School of Architecture

The University of Notre Dame’s Matthew and Joyce Walsh Family Hall of Architecture is widely known for its traditional teaching methods and emphasis on classical design and planning. We were tasked with designing the new 100,000-square-foot building, challenged to embody classical detailing and materials while developing a facility that reinforces the College's standing as one of the nation’s leading architectural schools. The educational spaces enable the college to conduct its curriculum in classically inspired rooms equipped with contemporary technologies. Curricular additions include new graduate program in historic preservation. The classical exterior, with its Ionic columns in Anta are rendered in load bearing limestone and brick. The hand-crafted capitals inspired local craftsmen. Other classical detailing includes the Diocletian (thermal) windows in the library and hall of casts and the timber transcenae skylight screen. The Stoa is the heart of the building, a stage for unstructured collaboration and public events. This grand hall is reminiscent of historically Ionic ancient Greek market structures. The Stoa is the link for including the design studios, auditorium, library, exhibition hall, and faculty office suites. An exterior plaza, anchored by the heroic bronze statue of Leon Battista Alberti, serves as the Stoa's outdoor complement providing a gathering space for the play and discourse. The Ionic order derivative of the Temple of Artimis exemplifies both craft and history.