The 1.14 acre site is located on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and occupies half of a city block. The project is highlighted by small plazas designed at two corners of the building that engage a primary thoroughfare, providing gathering spaces and serving as aesthetic amenities for the project. Low seat walls and a small area of hardscape enhance the new building and strengthen the University’s civic connection along the urban street. One of the plazas provides a location for a bioretention area, with associated paving, seating and native plantings. This feature highlights the University’s commitment to sustainable practices and low impact development on the community’s utility infrastructure. (Photos by Alan Karchmer)