Open Arms

UW Bothell | Cascadia College Innovation Hall

Bothell, WA

STEM Programs on Display

Innovation Hall reaches out to bring people, programs and campus spaces together around STEM learning. The four-story building opens its arms to the main pedestrian spine at the bottom of a steeply sloped, forested hillside. Floor-to-ceiling glazing in student study areas, labs and classrooms provides views into learning environments, exposing students to career pathways, and out to the surrounding woods and wetlands.

Bathed in Light

Creating a heart for the building, a skylit central atrium and monumental stair connect Innovation Hall’s levels and departments. Individual and group study spaces are distributed along this central mixing area, encouraging student collaboration and reinforcing a sense of community.

Connecting to Site

An articulated brick skin reflects the verticality and texture of forest. The building’s south façade bends to embrace the hillside, creating outdoor terraces for shops and labs. The landscape design renews the forested hillside, and climate adaptive planting supports local pollinators. Rain gardens on the west and south sides of the site celebrate stormwater management.