The completion of a new business education facility at Rice University expands academic and administrative space while connecting new construction with existing campus facilities. Skanska USA Building constructed Asha and Farid Virani Hall, which now serves the university’s growing business programs in Houston.
The 112,000-square-foot project combines a new building addition with renovations to existing facilities. The expanded space accommodates the Jones Graduate School of Business, the Virani Undergraduate School of Business and Executive Education programs.
The facility features classrooms, modern office areas, dining spaces, open gathering areas and facilities for private events. The addition connects with McNair Hall across all three floors through a transitional lobby while maintaining a distinct architectural identity.
Skanska partnered with B. Bell Builders, a Sugar Land-based general contractor, to deliver the project while the Rice University campus remained operational.
The construction team maintained access to surrounding facilities and coordinated work to minimize disruptions for students, faculty and visitors.
Architecture Research Office led the building's design, while Houston-based Kirksey Architecture served as executive architect.
The completed facility provides Rice University with expanded infrastructure for business education, faculty activities and executive programs. The project also demonstrates the coordination required to deliver new academic space within an active university environment while maintaining access to existing facilities.
Source: Skanska.
