In reimagining what a 21st century school of business could be, the Lehigh University College of Business sought facilities that would bring discovery-based learning environments to their thriving academic programs. 

After developing an initial feasibility study for the renovation of their Rauch Business Center and the construction of a new building catty-corner from Rauch, VMA was engaged to advance the design of the new building.

As part of the new three-story, four-floor building, a landscaped pedestrian plaza, carved out of the limestone facade, would be an oasis on bustling Packer Avenue and lead into a soaring, central atrium looking out onto campus. Specialized learning environments include a business incubator, designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism and a mock trading floor equipped with Bloomberg terminals, two data analytics rooms, a full production studio, and a behavior lab. A  dedicated suite will establish a home for the Vistex Institute for Executive Learning and Research, which is one of the school’s signature programs.  A new, remarkable classroom “in-the-round” would help prepare students for tech-driven pitches and virtual presentations. 

Construction is currently underway and is slated to be LEED GOLD certified.

Landscape completed in association with Stimson Associates.

PUBLICATIONS

• "Lehigh Breaks Ground on New College of Business Building," Lehigh University Communications & Public Affairs. May 20, 2021.
• "Lehigh University's New Business Education Center is a Step Closer to Construction," Lehigh Valley Live, January 2020.
• "Business Beyond Boundaries," Lehigh News, October 2019.