A Place Of Imagination And Discovery

University of Kentucky Davis Marksbury Building

The Davis Marksbury Building was the first of three phases which together comprise the Digital Village—a hub of communication and technology at the University of Kentucky. JRA Architects was selected as the architect of record for the new facility and was challenged to illuminate the University’s commitment to technology and sustainability.

The Marksbury Building, as part of the College of Engineering, houses the Center for Visualization and Virtual Environment as well as certain faculty and research activities of the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The building was designed to provide an innovative space for multidisciplinary research and learning that will prepare students for work in today’s technology-driven economy. Faculty, staff and students will engage collaboratively to solve problems using computer technology in a non-traditional environment that features spacious lab areas.

The building was the University’s first LEED-certified project, achieving a rating of LEED Gold. We sought to explore all energy-efficient design features, and integrate them whenever possible, to reinforce UK’s commitment to environmental sustainability. One example is the use of photovoltaic collectors on the building’s roof that convert sunlight into electrical power to help power the building while providing research opportunities.

JRA shares the University of Kentucky’s devotion to sustainability, and we were excited to incorporate so many innovative environmental techniques into a technologically advanced design.