Text description provided by the architects. Design for the 56,000 SF (5,200m2) School of International and Public Affairs constructed on the main University Park campus of Florida International University.  In aiming to achieve FIU’s vision, the new building provides a state-of-the art venue for the many activities – classes, lectures, workshops, performances, conferences, and faculty and graduate student research.

Courtesy of Arquitectonica

The structure represents the founding idea of the school as an International University, recognizing the multicultural community of Miami as the crossroads of trade, finance and culture. Faculty from various departments merge here to advance the study of social and political sciences, international relations and humanities to foster interdisciplinary, thematic, and professional degrees and programs alongside the traditional disciplinary offerings. The building provides a striking physical symbol of the international dimension of the University’s mission and identity.

Courtesy of Arquitectonica

Sketch

Courtesy of Arquitectonica

The School of International and Public Affairs is one of FIU’s first new buildings to be part of its university-wide LEED program for all new construction. SIPA achieved LEED-NC Gold level certification which recognizes the inherent sustainability of the building design. The solar panels on the classroom/office tower and a vegetated roof of the auditorium, the largest built in South Florida, as well as natural light for all the classrooms and offices, low-VOC content materials, lighting controlled by occupant-sensors, energy-efficient mechanical systems, low water use plumbing fixtures and drought tolerant landscaping all contribute to the LEED-NC Gold level rating.

Courtesy of Arquitectonica

• Architects

  Arquitectonica

• Location

  Florida International University Campus, Miami FL, United States

• Category

  Sustainability

• Partners-in-Charge of Design

  Bernardo Fort Brescia, FAIA + Laurinda Spear, FAIA

• Project Team, Design

  Katia Robreno, Bryan Alzati, Beatriz Arauz-Fernandez , Edward Leyva

• Project Team, Construction

  Manuel Timana

• Project Director

  Anne Cotter, AIA, LEED AP

• Project Manager

  Carey Press, AIA

• Landscape Architect

  Arquitectonica GEO

• Area

  5305.0 m2

• Project Year

  2010