The building serves the University’s programs in the humanities and social sciences, and offered the opportunity to revisit teaching and study spaces for student learning, especially the provision of gathering space for student interaction and informal learning activity which was absent in other campus buildings, many of which were also self-contained and visually inaccessible. The interior planning and exterior expression of the DUICEF building creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for students, and the new classrooms and labs foster a range of interactive teaching formats. The building’s entry leads to a two-story open lobby which provides a central hub linking ground floor classrooms with faculty offices, seminar rooms, a computer lab and a conference center on the floor above. The lobby also includes a major art installation commissioned for the space. The ground floor classrooms open off a large informal study lounge that is a place for informal learning activity. The architectural goal of creating a modern complement to the campus’ legacy of neo-classical buildings was achieved with the use of the traditional white painted brick as well as the large portico which refers back to the tradition of shaded entry porches on the traditional campus buildings. The portico also provides a sheltered outdoor space in a hot and rainy climate. The building responds to specific environmental concerns through the use of roof overhangs, recessed windows and exterior sun shading devices on the west façade.