The Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center University of South Florida
Client: University of South Florida
Location: USF campus, 3111 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL
Site: The site is located on infill in the Northwest Medical District of the USF campus.
Program Challenge: To design a 17,400 square foot building to be used for research, training, and meeting on maternal and child health issues. It needed to include both general office and conference facilities. The facility also needed to fall in line with the goals of the university’s master plan. The approximate cost was $225 per square foot.
Solution: The solution is a modern Florida building with ample high-function spaces that are bathed in natural light. The plan is organized around a two-story lobby / reception space enclosed with a large mothering roof. The distinct feature creates a memorable architectural structure that serves as a secondary gateway to campus along Fletcher Avenue. The office facilities are suited for research activities and were designed to accommodate a growing staff. The conference areas of the building – one on the ground floor, and one on the second floor with its own reception area – were designed to function not just as presentation spaces, but also settings for training, continuing education, and professional development.
The building’s exterior was designed to complete a quadrangle bordered by the campus’ College of Public Health buildings and the Florida Mental Health Institute complex. While the Chiles Center was designed to embrace unique architectural themes that echo the building’s mother-child focus, its materials and features complement the other buildings on the quadrangle. Additionally, the center connects outwardly with the rest of the campus via the palm colonnade, continuation of covered walkways, and an exterior covered courtyard that also provides added semi-private reception space.
The Chiles Center was awarded both the Un-built Design Award in 2000 and the Merit Award of Architecture in 2003 from AIA Tampa Bay. In 2005 AIA Florida honored Rowe Architects with the Award of Excellence for the project.