Board of Trustees announces architecture firm for academic quad redesign
Rice University Board of Trustees recently announced they’ve selected the architecture firm Nelson Byrd Woltz for the redesign of the academic quadrangle.
The decision to redesign the academic quad comes after a unanimous decision by the Task Force on Slavery, Segregation, and Racial Injustice in June 2021 to move the Founder’s Memorial, as well as a resolution passed by the Student Association on Nov. 29, 2021. The board of trustees announced in Jan. 2022 that the Founder’s Memorial would be relocated within the academic quadrangle.
Nelson-Byrd Woltz was selected out of a final list of four firms that were being considered for the redesign, according to President Reginald DesRoches.
“The design competition included a diverse group of high profile landscape architects,” DesRoches said. “Four firms were selected and invited to the competition from a shortlist of 10 initial candidates. NBW’s team is diverse and includes people from multiple office locations as well as subconsultants. We plan to continue a close working dialogue with NBW as Rice begins a selection process for a major artwork in the quad.”
Thomas Woltz, owner and principal of NBW, expressed the firm’s excitement about the project.
“Being selected as Rice University’s thought partner in envisioning the future of the Academic Quad is a significant challenge and responsibility, in equal measure,” Woltz said, “We are excited to bring NBW’s research-based design process to reimagine this historic space to reflect the values of Rice University: inclusivity, truth telling and belonging.”
According to DesRoches, design work will continue through this spring and summer, before transitioning to construction in the fall, with the final product being ready by late spring 2024.
“Nelson Byrd Woltz’s concept both respects our desire to create deeper thoughtfulness and engagement with Rice’s evolution within the Academic Quadrangle and awakens the site’s potential to become a dynamic and welcoming gathering space for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors year-round,” DesRoches said.
More from The Rice Thresher
Local Foods launches in newly renovated Brochstein space
Local Foods Market opened at Brochstein Pavilion Nov. 19, replacing comfort food concept Little Kitchen HTX. The opening, previously scheduled for the end of September, also features interior renovations to Brochstein. Local Foods is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Scan, swipe — sorry
Students may need to swipe their Rice IDs through scanners before entering future public parties, said dean of undergraduates Bridget Gorman. This possible policy change is not finalized, but in discussion among student activities and crisis management teams.
Energy summit talks the policy behind power
The 16th annual Rice Energy Finance Summit was held at Jones Business School Nov. 15. Speakers from the energy industry discussed topics including renewable energy, the Texas power grid and the future of energy policy under a second Trump administration.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.