Perched atop a mesa Franklin Antonio Hall commands attention. Its serrated silhouette cuts against the San Diego sky. This isn’t just another building. This is the Jacobs School of Engineering’s stunning new research hub. Franklin Antonio Hall a 186000 square foot marvel houses thirteen collaboratories. These are large facilities where professors and their teams from related fields work together. They pursue ambitious research projects tackling global challenges.
The building’s design is breathtaking. Three ravines border the structure offering incredible views. Vertical sunshades add to its sculptural beauty. They reduce solar heat gain and provide natural light deep inside. The design fosters a connection to nature. You can see the campus or canyon from nearly every room. You can sit under a tree in the central atrium or on an outdoor deck. Even walking the canyon or using the outdoor architectural stairs is an option.
Franklin Antonio Hall aims for LEED Platinum certification. Its photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy. This energy is used on site and fed into the campus grid. The commitment to sustainability extends to landscaping. One hundred percent regional native plantings surround the building. They are nourished with recycled water.
Inside Franklin Antonio Hall innovation thrives. It houses a 275-seat auditorium. This auditorium is a lab for creating future learning and discovery methods. There are also collaborative study spaces. These spaces help students work together. There’s even space for student extracurricular projects. The Institute for the Global Entrepreneur has a presence here too. This institute fosters collaboration between the Jacobs School of Engineering and the Rady School of Management. They help translate ideas into industry.
Franklin Antonio Hall represents a deep collaboration. National collaborators include the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Engineering. Congress representatives and many industry leaders are also involved. This building fosters a national network of innovation centers. Its goal is to rapidly respond to the nation’s needs. It’s supported by over $1.4 billion in annual research funding.
So as you stand before Franklin Antonio Hall remember more than just a building. This is a symbol of innovation. This is a testament to collaboration. This is a place where the future of engineering is being shaped. A place where ideas take flight and solutions are discovered.