Blinn College RELLIS Campus Administration Building

A former air force base, the 2,000-acre RELLIS Campus unites The Texas A&M University System, the Blinn College District, and public and private partners interested in the future of research and higher education. Amid this dynamic campus, Gensler designed a new student building meant to create synergies and invite Blinn students to actively engage in the RELLIS experience. The team utilized an architectural palette of glass, brick, rich textiles, and cohesive colors to create a sense of continuity.

The monumental main building features a lantern-like glass tower that acts as a beacon. Programmatically, the three-story structure transitions from more public to more private with each ascending floor. Student and learning spaces lead to faculty, special events, and administrative space. Dry labs for computer sciences and testing, and student services for enrollment and financial aid are included. Overall, this collaborative ecosystem advances research and development of technology, higher education, and hands-on career training.