Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One, a striking 11‑story, 300,000‑square‑foot structure, has been named the 2025 Best of Year Winner for Larger Higher Education + Shining Moment. Designed by SmithGroup, the building’s multifaceted form follows heliomorphic principles, aligning with the sun’s path and incorporating building‑integrated photovoltaic technology with PV embedded in its insulated glass façade. The exterior glazing creates a dappled sunlight effect, casting dynamic patterns inside and fostering a human‑centric environment for about 950 students.
The interior includes 14 classrooms, 32 huddle rooms, a cyber‑physical lab, a two‑story drone‑testing cage, a dedicated space for K–12 initiatives, the Northern Virginia home of the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, and a 300‑seat auditorium off the double‑height lobby. Advanced computer‑aided design techniques shaped the building’s geometry, while the photovoltaic façade generates renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint. The design emphasizes collaboration and student‑faculty engagement, with spaces that encourage interaction and innovation.
David Johnson, Lead Architect, SmithGroup, said: “The building’s design harnesses the sun’s energy while creating a dynamic, engaging environment for students and faculty.” Kevin Johnson, Project Manager, SmithGroup, added: “The integration of photovoltaic technology into the façade is a key feature of the building’s sustainable design.”
The project team includes David Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Sven Shockey, Peter He, Patty Boyle, Patricia Halaby, and Dennis Daisey.
Image Courtesy: Interior Design
