Adjaye makes shortlist for another major US job

The practice is up against New York-based SHoP Architects and Norwegian firm Snohetta for the job to design the new National Veterans Resource Complex (NVRC) at the university.

In December all three of the practices were also named on the shortlist for Obama’s presidential library back.

The firms saw off competition from 28 other practices to make the Syracuse shortlist which was chosen by a selection committee that included faculty staff, students and members of the design industry.

The NVRC will be a ‘first-of-its-kind’ multi-use building which will house the university’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Planned for the western side of the Syracuse University campus, it will offer vocational and educational programs to veterans and their relatives.

The building will include classrooms, a conference centre, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and gallery space.

In the coming weeks the three practices will travel to the campus to speak to members of the community and to give lectures at the architecture school before drawing up their final ideas.

The schemes will then be presented to the selection committee in April and a winner announced in May.

David Adjaye, principal of Adjaye Associates, commented: ‘Syracuse University’s ambition to make the NVRC a combined educational and community centre as well as a national hub for America’s 22.8 million veterans and their families resonates deeply with my own commitment to architecture that empowers communities and has global resonance.

‘This is also an opportunity to enhance the context and future vision for the surrounding area – setting the highest precedent for subsequent development.’

Director of the Pritzker Prize Martha Thorne, who directed the competition on behalf of the university, said: ‘The three finalist firms and their teams are outstanding. I have no doubt they will propose ideas that go beyond traditional academic buildings and make the NVRC a pioneering facility that will contribute to the University, as well as the broader community.’

Chancellor Kent Syverud, added: ‘The NVRC is a physical testament to Syracuse University’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families. I am confident the Selection Committee will find the right partner to bring this unique vision to life.’