Barnard College Selects SOM for New Campus Design

NEW YORK — Barnard College has selected the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) to lead design of the schools new teaching and learning facility at its Morningside Heights campus. Upon completion, the new facility will house a 21st century library, as well as several state-of-the-art computational science and learning labs.
SOM, a New York City-based firm, also specializes in interior design, engineering and urban planning, and was selected following an extensive review process led by a 24-person steering committee. According to a release issued by SOM, the committee focused exclusively on firms that met three main criteria: a history of creative and innovative architecture; a proven track record on similar projects for academic institutions; and an internal commitment to women’s leadership reflected by women holding key roles in the firm. As Barnard was historically the only college in New York City, and one of few in the country, were women could receive the same level of education as their male counterparts, this third criterion was particularly important.
“We are thrilled to partner with SOM to develop this important new campus landmark,” said Barnard President Debora Spar. “It was crucial to find a firm that would work well with our community throughout the design and construction process, and SOM is the perfect choice. Barnard has a small campus and each building plays a vital role in our community. I am confident that this new building will have a transformative impact on our campus and move with us squarely into the future.”


“We feel privileged to be working with Barnard on this project,” said Roger Duffy, SOM’s Partner in Charge of Design for this project. “Through our design process and engagement with the community, we hope to capture the spirit of Barnard as an institution of higher learning and to create a building that both reflects that spirit and gives it space to thrive. We…look forward to collaborating with a diverse group of the Barnard community as we move forward with the design process.”


With selection complete, Barnard will now begin the process of envisioning and mapping the elements of this innovative new building which is also likely to include new homes for selected academic departments; conference facilities; a café and dining space; group study spaces; and state-of-the-art classrooms.

As the building development process continues, members of the Barnard community will meet periodically in subcommittees to focus on the fundamental elements of this project as it moves to the design phase and beyond.