The Student Success District at the University of Arizona is a groundbreaking addition to the University’s urban fabric. The design strengthens connections between new and existing structures, activates underutilized spaces both indoors and out, and prioritizes the student experience. The complex project redefines and revitalizes the Main Library and the Bear Down Gymnasium, reorients the entry to the Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library, and merges them with a new 55,000 SF Center for Academic Success.

Although located at the heart of campus, the existing district buildings were siloed—their configurations did not allow for fluidity between spaces, failing to connect students and enrich their learning through chance collisions and collaboration. Additionally, the Main Library, the Science-Engineering Library, and the Bear Down Gymnasium all span 95 years of history, each with a different use, architectural style, grade connection, and floor-to-floor height.

To unify the District and create occupiable space between structures, previously inward-looking buildings had to expand outward. The architects cut new entries into previously blank facades and used thin steel plates to innovatively “slice portals” and establish a language for the new circulation patterns. Circulation apertures were also opened through floor plates, merging two and three-story volumes, allowing shared use and governance of active learning areas across departments.

Other design moves included added transparency and porosity throughout, opening the buildings onto rich landscaped ‘paseos’ which serve to unify the district, and developing outdoor study areas between structures. Soliciting student input throughout the design process provided deep insight into what was most valued on campus: technology, variety of spaces, and power and internet access everywhere. In this spirit, the design team introduced both indoor and outdoor study areas guided by a concept rooted in connections, porosity, and diverse, flexible, and technology-rich spaces. The District provides room for tutoring, active learning, hands-on fabrication and research, and a holistic health and fitness area—all while remaining flexible to allow for shifts in functionality as trends and pedagogies change in coming years.

The Bartlett Center for Academic Success (BCAS)—the only new building added to the District—is certified LEED Gold and performs 42% better than the 2030 Commitment baseline for this building type. Energy saved by updating mechanical systems and lighting in the District’s existing buildings offset the energy required for the new BCAS, making the district a zero-impact project for energy use on the campus.