Even while under construction, the positioning of McCord Hall has already transformed the Arizona State University campus. Defining the eastern edge of the business school district, the distinct wings of the new building frame the surrounding buildings and help define an outdoor plaza. A monumental, four-story arcade frames the entrance to the school from both sides of the campus at the northeast corner, while to the southwest, the plaza opens up to welcome visitors and the business school community.

The outdoor plaza of McCord Hall creates both a welcoming public space and a home for the graduate student community. Visible from all spaces in the new building, the plaza becomes a hub for the graduate student community. A grand stair from the main lobby leads to the MBA study suite and graduate study lounges.

McCord Hall features 59 six-person team rooms to encourage on-campus collaboration for students. Each room is equipped with large screen displays and white boards to enhance teaming and group learning. Lounges have been provided for both quiet and more social study environments, as well as ample shaded outdoor spaces to meet and collaborate.

One of the highlights of McCord Hall is the career management suite which will include ten interview rooms along with key support for recruiters while on campus. The Executive Education suite at the top floor of the building features two flexible flat-floor classrooms, one 80-seat tiered classroom, and eight team rooms, along with a large lounge and outdoor terrace.

The sustainable features of McCord Hall start at the siting of the building; the orientation to the sun has been optimized to users’ advantage, along with native plantings that minimize water consumption and provide natural shading. The building has a variety of façade-specific shading systems in place that clearly demonstrate the sustainable focus of the building. The roof has been designed for a photovoltaic array that will provide electricity for both the school and the University. Displacement ventilation throughout entire building uses significantly less energy and actively takes advantage the building’s raised floor system.