The new design by Sasaki, in partnership with Sinclair Hille Architects of Lincoln, delivers a dedicated, state-of-the-art, technologically-robust building customized to meet the evolving needs of students learning the latest pedagogical approaches. The 126,000-square-foot, four-story facility features classrooms, collaborative meeting spaces, offices, labs, and a 380-seat auditorium. The building organization is centered around a concept of three neighborhood “clusters” or hubs: the Classroom Cluster, the Faculty Office Cluster, and the Building Heart, or Community Cluster. The arrangement of these clusters facilitates smaller scale interactions within each of the zones, while still promoting casual interactions across the entirety of the building.

The building is named in honor of Carolyn Pope Edwards, an expert in early-childhood education who was a faculty member at Nebraska for 18 years. Her life mission was raising the quality of young children’s education by understanding how they develop and thrive cognitively, socially and emotionally.

“It’s a great day for the College of Education and Human Sciences and a great day to be a Nebraskan,” said Sherri Jones, the college’s dean. “This building is a direct reflection of Nebraska’s investment in teacher preparation, and we’re extremely appreciative of that support.

“In Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall, the next generation of teachers and other professionals will discover their passions and generate new ideas to enhance the lives of individuals, families, schools and communities and strengthen the relationships among them.”