The Bronx, New York, USA

Created by Mitchell Giurgola Architects, the Higgins Engineering & Science Center strengthens the identity of Manhattan College’s South Campus, elevates STEM education with state-of-the-art facilities, and creates a new distinct home for Engineering, one of the largest departments at the College.

The primary engineering building – Leo Hall – had not been updated since the 1980s and was sorely out of date.

The addition of the 30,000 SF Higgins Center, constructed on an existing parking lot adjacent to Leo Hall, provides much-needed spaces for entry-level sciences as well as capstone laboratories for specialty engineering disciplines.

The Higgins Engineering & Science Center project has been awarded a 2021 American Award for Architecture from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

Manhattan College was founded in 1853 and was located at 131st Street and Broadway in northern Manhattan.

In 1922 it moved to its present location in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and in the 1970s the College acquired a number of existing buildings for expansion.

These buildings, while nearby, were “down the hill” – with an elevation drop of nearly 100 feet.

This topographic condition has always left the new, or south campus, feeling quite separate from the original north campus.

The Higgins Engineering & Science Center aims to bolster the South Campus as a hub for science, math, and engineering.

Distinguishing aspects of the design include first of all the integration of the existing Leo building with the new building and the creation of a three-sided courtyard that is open to the college as well as the community.

Moreover, the architects have prepared for the efficient use of existing Leo building stairs, bathrooms, and infrastructure to minimize redundancy and the overall footprint.

This project is truly a celebration of engineering on display with exposed structure, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Noticeable is also the access to natural light and the implementation of sustainable elements including horizontal and vertical sunshades, deep-set windows, waterless urinals, and native landscaping without irrigation.

Project: Higgins Engineering & Science Center
Architects: Mitchell Giurgola Architects LLP.
Client: VVA Project Managers
Contractor: Pavarini Northeast Construction
Photographers: Albert Vecerka/Esto