"Milstein Hall is not just as an extraordinary building; it is a transformative piece of the university's collective fabric." Dean Kent Kleinman
Supporting Our Students
Milstein Hall is a breakthrough facility for Cornell University as it physically unites many of AAP's resources, while providing a contemporary platform for the top-ranked undergraduate program for architecture in the U.S. The first new building for the college in more than 100 years — and the surrounding outer spaces created by its addition — is immediately starting to transform the education and training of future generations with its facilities and resources that stimulate inventiveness and interaction.
In the words of Dean Kent Kleinman, “Milstein Hall is an extraordinary new addition to AAP’s suite of buildings, providing the academic and physical ‘center of gravity’ for the design arts at Cornell. With 22,000 square feet of open studio space, a lecture hall for 250 people, and 6,900 square feet of critique space, Milstein Hall makes it possible for AAP to radically reconfigure the way design is taught. From a pedagogical point of view, the building is transformative.”
Collaborative Environment
An adaptable and open floor plan on the top level provides opportunities to respond to the changing needs of design curriculum. The ground level provides immediate entry to the college’s first auditorium, to accommodate classes, presentations, and a variety of other meetings. The lower level combines large and small exhibition venues, access to the auditorium, and a connection with the Green Dragon Cafe. Covered outdoor areas give architects, artists, and fabricators virtually boundless studio space, where they can construct large-scale prototypes, models, and sculptures. Walkways and doorways connecting Milstein Hall to Rand and Sibley halls provide the practical advantage of moving through the college's buildings along with promoting a sense of connection across disciplines.
"Milstein Hall represents a critical leap forward for the college and the Department of Architecture by adding long-awaited and much-needed studio and exhibition spaces, as well as a major lecture hall where we can assemble together as one community." Professor Mark Cruvellier, architecture chair
AAP has many facilities that have held the college in good stead for decades. Sibley Hall remains the focal point; Rand Hall continues to provide precious workspace for students in architecture; Olive Tjaden Hall serves as the central space for our fine arts students; and the Foundry is appropriate for large-scale work.
Providing leading faculty and students with facilities to enable outstanding scholarship and the best learning environment is of paramount importance and enables us to remain competitive with peer schools throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Encouraging Creativity
We endeavor to provide our students and faculty with space that supports their creativity. Our students now have ample room to learn, create, exhibit, and defend their projects and work. The combination of Milstein, Rand, Sibley, Tjaden halls, and the Foundry create a space where the very best teaching and scholarship can occur.
