Kaiser Borsari Hall – A Sustainable, Next-Generation STEM Hub at Western Washington University

Kaiser Borsari Hall at Western Washington University, designed by Perkins&Will, stands as a groundbreaking example of sustainable educational architecture, advanced STEM learning environments, and innovative mass timber construction. Completed in 2024 and spanning 53,345 ft², the building supports WWU’s rapidly expanding programs in electrical engineering and computer science, addressing the growing workforce demand across Washington State.

A Future-Focused Home for Innovation and Collaboration

As STEM enrollment surges statewide, Kaiser Borsari Hall provides a dynamic home for hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and industry-aligned education. The building introduces technology-rich laboratories, flexible maker spaces, writable walls, and collaborative zones that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world innovation.

Circulation paths intentionally integrate study nooks and seating areas to spark spontaneous interaction between students, faculty, and industry mentors—cultivating the communication and collaboration skills essential for tomorrow’s STEM professionals.

Connecting Campus, Community, and Nature

Strategically located between the main WWU campus and the Sehome Hill Arboretum, the building serves as a physical and conceptual bridge between industry and education. Its mass timber structure reveals warm interior wood tones contrasted with exterior shou sugi ban cladding, a traditional Japanese technique that enhances durability and fire resistance.

Architectural highlights include:

• A welcoming multicultural lounge
• Light-filled, glass-clad stairways with panoramic campus views
• Biophilic design features that enhance well-being
• Horizontal windows that maximize daylight and connect each floor to nature

This seamless integration of natural elements creates an uplifting learning environment proven to reduce stress, lower heart rate, and promote productivity.

A Biophilic, Eco-Conscious Campus Landmark

Kaiser Borsari Hall transforms what was once an impermeable parking lot into a thriving ecological landscape. Surrounded by native and climate-adaptive plants, the site extends the habitat of the nearby arboretum, promoting biodiversity and creating a green connection between forest and campus.

As a “living laboratory,” the building’s design encourages students to engage with sustainable systems, environmental stewardship, and the future of green construction.

A Model for Sustainable University Architecture

Through its emphasis on mass timber, passive daylighting strategies, transparent circulation zones, and inclusive community spaces, Kaiser Borsari Hall establishes a new standard for sustainable university buildings. It is both an academic engine and an architectural statement—showcasing how environmentally conscious design can elevate learning, collaboration, and the student experience.

All the photographs are works of Kevin Scott