New College of Business Building
Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA
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
PROJECT DETAILS
Size: 74,000 sf
Budget: $29 million
SERVICES PROVIDED
Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Sustainability




