Dudley and Lambertus Halls: Redefining Higher Education Design

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Purdue University

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West Lafayette, Indiana

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251,191 SF

This image shows the exterior of Dudley and Lambertus Hall at Purdue University. The modern building features an impressive façade with extensive glass curtain walls, vertical metal sunshades, and a contemporary architectural design that combines brick elements with sleek contemporary materials. The entrance, marked

This image shows an interior space within Dudley Hall at Purdue University. The architecture features a central wooden-clad structure with a large concrete pillar ascending multiple levels. A small collaboration area with brown chairs and a large grey ottoman are positioned in front of the structure. Large floor-to-ceiling windows to the left of the structure allow natural light to flood into the building. The space has polished concrete floors, a minimalist white ceiling with integrated linear lighting, and exposed mechanical systems.

This image shows another interior space within Dudley Hall at Purdue University. The architecture features a central wooden-clad structure rising through multiple floors, with a contemporary open layout around it. A small collaboration area with colorful furniture (including green chairs, a blue bench, and a white table) is positioned in front of the wooden structure, where several students are working together. The distinctive yellow staircase seen in the previous image is visible through glass walls on the left. The space has polished concrete floors, a minimalist white ceiling with integrated linear lighting, and exposed mechanical systems. A

A modern student lounge area featuring a mix of blue tones, with stylish chairs arranged around round ottomans on a blue carpet. Above, acoustic ceiling baffles and exposed piping add an industrial feel. A flat screen is mounted on a dark blue accent wall. Large windows allow natural light to pour in. On the right, a polished concrete hallway leads past a decorative wooden wall, where two people are walking together.

This image features a striking bright yellow staircase in a corridor with white walls and large windows running the full height of the multi-level stairwell. The expansive windows flood the space with natural light. On the left side of the stairwell, a modern collaborative area is visible through a full glass wall, furnished with sleek white chairs and tables. Two people are seen descending the stairs, engaged in conversation.

A modern industrial workspace viewed through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside the high-ceilinged manufacturing lab, various machinery and workstations are neatly arranged. Overhead, exposed ductwork and bright lights contribute to a functional, clean aesthetic. A yellow crane rail runs along the ceiling. In the foreground, a person walks past a minimalist wooden bench set against a wall of vertical wooden slats, highlighting the blend of industrial and contemporary design.

This image shows a construction laboratory inside Dudley Hall and Lambertus Hall at Purdue University. The high-ceilinged workshop space features yellow overhead cranes with hoists running along ceiling tracks, designed for lifting heavy materials. The main floor shows three students, one carrying a ladder, wearing white hard hats working collaboratively on large wooden framed structure. Above them is an elevated walkway with dark green railings that overlooks the workspace. This appears to be a hands-on learning environment for construction or civil engineering students, providing practical experience with building techniques and materials. The industrial space is equipped with professional-grade equipment while maintaining visual consistency with the building's overall design aesthetic.

A modern student lounge area featuring a mix of blue tones, with a small couch and two chairs with a shared workstation arranged on blue carpet. Above, acoustic ceiling baffles and exposed piping add an industrial feel. A flat screen is mounted on a dark blue accent wall. There are floor-to-ceiling windows next to the work area.

This image shows an interior view of Dudley Hall at Purdue University. The modern architecture features a striking yellow staircase visible through large glass walls that spans multiple floors. The view is taken from a lobby area with polished concrete floors where three bright green lounge chairs and a round tan ottoman create a small seating area. The space has a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, white railings along an upper walkway, and a rhythmic white ceiling with integrated lighting. Two people can be seen in motion on the yellow staircase, slightly blurred as they move. The design creates visual interest through the contrast of the bright yellow architectural element against the otherwise neutral palette of white, gray, and light wood finishes on the walls.

This image shows a modern academic space with multiple functional areas. On the left side, there are cubicle-style workstations with grey dividers and monitors. In the center, there is a collaborative area with white chairs, blue couches, and tables where people appear to be studying. The center is separated from the rest of the room by glass semi-transparent floor-to-ceiling dividers. On the right side, are the same cubicle-style workstations with grey dividers and monitors as the left. The room has gray carpeted flooring throughout. The overall design combines open collaborative spaces with semi-private work areas in a contemporary academic environment.

This image features a spacious, modern café with high ceilings, large windows, and yellow accents. Three people sit at a table, evoking a collaborative, bright atmosphere. The space has wood laminate floors and an industrial ceiling with exposed mechanical systems. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the background, beyond multiple sets of white café tables, allow natural light to flood into the space.

Supporting Purdue’s Rapid Growth

Purdue University’s College of Engineering and Polytechnic Institute (PPI) are growing rapidly. In addition, the College of Engineering and Polytechnic Institute were geographically separated on campus. To support this momentum and connect environments, BSA was a crucial partner in the design of Dudley and Lambertus Halls. These halls marked the first buildings in the new Engineering and Polytechnic Gateway Complex. Today, this complex is one of the largest on the campus.

This 251,191-square-foot academic building design includes interdisciplinary instructional areas, design studios for senior and capstone projects, collaborative spaces for active learning, and administrative offices. As a national first, this facility also features extensive virtual labs, setting a new standard in higher education interior design.

Connecting Campus Through Smart Design

Strategically placed at the east end of Purdue’s 3rd Street Student Success Corridor, the complex connects academic and residential areas. As a result, the Dudley and Lambertus Halls create a vibrant environment where students live, study, and innovate. The building also redefines the Central Drive gateway experience, establishing a bold new campus architecture landmark.

Engineered for Flexibility and Efficiency

Dudley and Lambertus Halls are built for adaptability. BSA’s interior architects and engineers created flexible infrastructure for unique lab requirements while prioritizing system efficiency, functionality, and longevity. For example, the Powertrain Technology Lab supports research and teaching in both internal combustion and electrified powertrains, with custom engine exhaust and combustion air systems. Additionally, the Build @ Scale Lab includes in-floor compressed air and power distribution, enabling full-scale industrial system testing. Finally, smart lighting solutions—LED fixtures, daylight sensors, and dedicated controls—result in a lighting power density 37% better than code.

This transformative project reflects BSA’s role as a leading higher education architecture firm, delivering innovative, flexible spaces for the future of engineering and technology education.

Design Team: Ennead (Design Partner); Fink Roberts & Petrie (Structural Engineer); Schneider Geomatics (Civil Engineer); Rundell Ernstberger (Landscape Architect); Shiel Sexton (Construction Manager as Constructor)

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Disciplines

Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning

Awards

2023 – American Concrete Institute Indiana Chapter: Institutional & Cultural

Project Contact

A Gateway to the Future

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Geoff Lisle

Dudley and Lambertus Halls: Redefining Higher Education Design

Supporting Purdue’s Rapid Growth

Connecting Campus Through Smart Design

Engineered for Flexibility and Efficiency

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