Cornell University Duffield Hall
At Cornell University, the expansion and renovation of Duffield Hall reimagines the future of engineering education by bringing together teaching, research and community in a unified environment.
By connecting Duffield Hall with Phillips Hall, home to Cornell’s Electrical and Computer Engineering program, the project creates a cohesive engineering hub that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging fields such as quantum computing and robotics. A gateway to the Pew Engineering Quad, the expansion transforms Duffield Hall into a more welcoming campus destination while improving connections to neighboring engineering buildings. The renovation also addresses deferred maintenance and modernizes building systems for performance, accessibility and energy efficiency—creating a flexible environment that supports evolving academic needs and reinforces Cornell’s leadership in innovation and research.
Features
High-Performance Envelope
Facade upgrades improve energy performance while visually unifying old and new into “One Duffield.” A highly insulated rainscreen system and strategic glazing reduce energy use while meeting both the NYS Stretch Energy Code and the more stringent Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS), one of the most rigorous energy standards in the country.
Advanced Research Labs
The project significantly expands research capacity with new dry labs, wet labs, maker spaces and specialized environments, including vibration-sensitive quantum labs. Flexible layouts support evolving research needs while minimizing future disruption.
Community Connector
The Multipurpose Pavilion serves as the heart of the project, bringing students, faculty and researchers together in a shared, daylit environment. A central stair links a new campus plaza to the existing building, creating a visible, active connection across the complex.
Multi-Phased Project
Working within an occupied 1950s building, the project is delivered through a carefully phased approach that allows construction to proceed with no downtime. Coordinated work zones and scheduling across academic breaks ensure continuity while upgrading systems, facade and code compliance.
Project Details
Client Name
Cornell University College of Engineering
Square Footage
150,000 gsf
Program
Instructional Labs, Research Labs, Faculty, Offices, Collaboration Spaces
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Lab Planning
Phase
Construction
Sustainability
Tracking LEED Gold/Compliant with Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS)
Client Name
Cornell University College of Engineering
Square Footage
150,000 gsf
Program
Instructional Labs, Research Labs, Faculty, Offices, Collaboration Spaces
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Lab Planning
Phase
Construction
Sustainability
Tracking LEED Gold/Compliant with Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS)
