Architecture Hall is the visible manifestation of an architectural tradition that has served Nebraska for over a hundred years. The College of Architecture’s programs in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and community and regional planning have a proud tradition of excellence in education, research, and service to the State of Nebraska and the nation.
Our Mission
We create a resilient,
healthy and beautiful world,
within a diverse and inclusive culture
of rigorous inquiry and innovation,
united by the transformative power
of planning and design.
Our Values
Demand Excellence | Be Courageous | Practice Empathy
Look Beyond | Inspire Impact
Our Culture
Our intellectual environment thrives because of our:
Diverse perspectives,
Dynamic close-knit community, and
Pursuit of meaningful impact.
The College is headquartered in Architecture Hall, a complex of multiple historic buildings. All facilities of this unique complex are located within the southwestern fine arts quadrant of the campus, with convenient access to the Lincoln central business district for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
From its first architecture course offering in 1895 to the establishment of the Department of Architecture in 1930, the creation of the School of Architecture in 1964, the founding of the School of Environmental Development in 1970 and the formation of the College of Architecture in 1973, the faculty and students in architecture and the allied disciplines have built a tradition of excellence in education, research and creative activity, engagement and service to the State of Nebraska.
Complex History:
Architecture Hall has a storied history. The first building in the complex, Architecture Hall East, was constructed in the early 1890s and began serving as the University Library in 1895. Mendelssohn, Fisher and Lawrie was selected by the Board of Regents as the building designers. It remains the oldest and most distinctive building on the University’s City Campus and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Its counterpart, Architecture Hall West, was originally built in 1912 as the Law College with contracted architectural services being awarded to Berlinghof & Davis. When the College of Law moved to East Campus in 1974, the building transitioned to the College of Architecture. Architecture Hall West is the fifth oldest building on UNL’s city campus. In 1987, a $4.4 million renovation and remodeling project, designed by Bahr, Vermeer, and Haecker (BVH Architecture,) connected the two existing buildings with a glass atrium in 1987, now called the Link.
In 2022, the former Law College "Stacks" were demolished to make way for the HDR Pavilion which was opened for the fall semester in 2024. Spanning 20,000 square feet, this architectural marvel embodies innovation, collaboration and educational design excellence. More than just a building, the pavilion serves as a living laboratory for students delving into mass timber design and construction. Crafted with 12,553 cubic feet of Douglas Fir, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), the structure showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Nebraska-based Timberlyne, which milled and finished the floor decks as well as the glue-laminated post and beam components.
The pavilion was designed through the combined expertise of Omaha-based architecture firm HDR and Boston’s NADAAA and realized by Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. It features 14 open-loft studios along with adjoining classrooms and support spaces, offering an inspiring environment that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge design with functional learning areas.
Today, the entire Architecture Hall complex spans 105,000 square feet and includes classrooms, design and planning studios, computer and media facilities, a shop, an architecture library, exhibit spaces, and other ancillary facilities. This comprehensive setup provides students and faculty with one of the nation’s finest environments for studying architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and community and regional planning.
The M. and B. Books from the College showcase the best work our students have produced in our programs of study. They are both examples of an array of disciplines addressing real problems and difficult challenges with innovative and collaborative action.