University of Virginia School of Data Science’s New Building: Promoting Sustainability, Diversity and Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Education

The construction of a new building for the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia began in January 2020. Led by Gilbane Building Company, the project involved collaboration between architectural teams from Hopkins Architects, VMDO, and the University’s Office of the Architect. The guiding philosophy behind the design was to create a space that fosters collaboration and promotes sustainability.

Phil Bourne, founding dean of the School of Data Science, emphasized the importance of the building reflecting the university’s culture of excellence, openness, transparency, interdisciplinarity, and community engagement. The building is LEED Gold-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and features sustainable design elements such as solar panels, vents and windows in individual offices, and active and passive shading systems to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

In addition to these environmentally-friendly features, the facility includes a wellness area, a lactation space, and all non-gendered restrooms, making it a diverse and inclusive space for all occupants. The construction of this building was made possible in part by a historic $120 million gift from Jaffray Woodriff, a UVA graduate from 1991 and private family foundation champion of data science. Woodriff expressed his excitement for the future of the School of Data Science and its impact on expanding field of artificial intelligence. As a champion of data science he looks forward to university’s contributions to navigating ethical challenges in AI in years ahead.