A Crossroads for Campus Connectivity

Strategically positioned at the heart of NC State’s North Campus, Woodson Hall will serve as a crossroads for campus connectivity and student learning. The five-story building will fill a critical gap in the campus fabric, sited adjacent to the Brickyard – one of NC State’s hallowed plazas where the campus community congregates for celebrations and events – and directly across from the main campus library. Its striking grey brick façade will pay tribute to Harrelson Hall which once occupied the site, while creating a bold contrast with the surrounding red brick STEM buildings. This deliberate contrast will set Woodson Hall apart as a new, iconic landmark on campus that symbolizes both continuity and forward-thinking innovation.

For the first time, students and faculty across disciplines related to chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology will come together in Woodson Hall where science and collaboration will be on display. Large windows on each level will offer a look into teaching labs and research spaces and bring the outside in. Targeting LEED Silver® certification, the design incorporates energy-efficient strategies such as a low window-to-wall ratio aimed to minimize heat gain, PV solar roof, and holistic site design to prioritize stormwater management. To maintain an optimal environment for research, the building features chilled beams – an energy-efficient HVAC system that reduces operational costs by using water to transfer heat rather than air.

Resiliency is deeply integrated into the building’s design, with mechanical systems positioned above grade to protect against potential stormwater damage. To further enhance sustainability and accessibility, the Brickyard will be revitalized with permeable pavers that improve pedestrian access while also reducing flooding through storing and filtering rainwater. At the west side of Woodson Hall, existing stairs will be replaced with ADA-compliant pathways to ensure that the building and site design is welcoming and accessible to all.

Innovation Meets Collaboration

Inviting interaction between the interior and exterior spaces, the ground level of Woodson Hall features areas designed for public engagement meant to showcase science on display. A covered porch wraps around the north-facing façade, anchored by a large, multi-functional classroom with an operable wall that opens toward the Brickyard, as well as a public café at the northwest corner. A grand staircase warmly welcomes students and faculty into the building where rich oak wood accents – paying homage to North Carolina’s state tree – highlight collaborative spaces, creating a sense of warmth and openness.

A diverse range of spaces is thoughtfully integrated into the design to accommodate various collaboration styles. From comfortable living rooms to tucked-away nooks, each area is purposefully designed to support the exchange of ideas, allowing students and faculty to engage and interact in a dynamic atmosphere. These spaces, designed to foster creativity and community, are the heart of the building, encouraging constant movement and dialogue between disciplines.

The building will include teaching and student research spaces and cutting-edge core labs, enhancing NC State’s ability to create and visualize new kinds of molecules and put them to use in novel technologies. The upper three levels of Woodson Hall are dedicated to these quieter, more focused research activities. These levels house core laboratories, flexible research spaces, as well as open workstations and offices. A green roof, accessible from the third floor, serves both as a stormwater management solution and a serene space for occupants to connect with nature while overlooking the lush greenery surrounding the building.