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
‘A Charlie Brown’ January:
Classes and normal campus operations will halt on Tuesday, Jan. 21, due to a winter storm watch, Rice Emergency Management announced Jan. 19. Houston is forecasted to receive sleet, two to four inches of snow and possible freezing rain. The Rice Memorial Center, Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center and Fondren Library will be closed. Campus bus service will be suspended until roads are safe to travel.
Rice reflects on leadership at MLK vigil
Rice held a vigil to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jan. 19. The vigil, held in Kraft Hall, included a reception, followed by a series of talks from Rice professors. The Rice Black Men’s Association and Multicultural Community Relations, within the university’s Office of Public Affairs, helped organize the event.
New AI major proposed for fall 2025
The Faculty Senate will vote on a possible AI major Feb. 5, proposed by Rice’s Committee on the Undergraduate Curriculum. The program has been in development within the computer science department since Spring 2024, and if approved, could be offered as soon as Fall 2025.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.