Fairfield University’s new home for the Charles F. Dolan School of Business features state-of-the-art interactive learning environments, a Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Lab, an Entrepreneurship Center with Ideation Lab, active learning and case-based classrooms, a new event space, Finance Lab, the Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics, and more.
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at-a-glanceFairfield University’s School of Business is nationally-ranked and boasts a 96.7% placement rate within six-months of graduation. Fueled by a capital campaign where donors were motivated by the trajectory of the institution, the new Dolan School of Business building provides a cutting-edge learning environment and a new face for an exemplary program.
The site has a strong physical connection to the campus core with heavy pedestrian circulation and opportunities for social engagement. Conceived as a pair of contrasting curved programmatic bars; the forms slip past one another and recede to create entry opportunities on an undulating site.
North (student) entry and South (visitor) entry are aligned about an axis struck between the Chapel and the Pond.
To the North, a grand bay window embraces the Campus’ formal green with an Amphitheatre and invites students to gaze upon the dynamic culture of the Business School.
Along the South, visitors from the professional community are received by a two-story Event space where they are encouraged to connect intellectually with students and staff.
The new Dolan is physical proof that what Fairfield delivers is not conventional degree programs, but rather a transformative education for future business leaders.
Along the South, expansive views of Bellarmine Pond within the naturalized meadow and wildflower areas provide a restorative and active connection to the site.
This connection is further reinforced with the installation of sustainable stormwater management measures of a large rain garden within the porous asphalt parking lot, showcasing the University’s efforts of sustainability and commitment to the context of the larger community.
At the South Entrance the public and professional community enters by way of a two-story Event space and adjacent exterior plaza space.
At the North Entrance a park like landscape with mature specimen trees and new outdoor Amphitheatre offers a beautiful setting for students to relax, socialize and study.
The new Dolan building is tremendously exciting. The classroom spaces are designed to facilitate active, engaged, and experiential learning. Access to the latest technology will allow faculty to use simulations and introduce students to sophisticated software applications. A finance lab, business analytics lab, and computer lab will support students in building the skills they need to be career and graduate school ready upon graduation. Common spaces are designed with an eye to comfort and collaboration, students will be able to find spaces to hang out before, between, or after classes. The building will allow Fairfield to host a wide variety of community partners and events, to share the work of business education.
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