Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Known as “The Capsule,” the oval-shaped structure standing two-stories tall includes the Virginia Tech Engineering Communications Center and a conference room for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The capsule is made of plaster, steel, and glass, among other materials. The goal was to create a structure as a singular object with an organic texture to the skin, as well as to include an addition to the atrium the would fill the void in the building by adding a permanent stationary space and a habitat for human activity. The Capsule fulfilled that purpose by adding a mobile and dynamic visual element to the building. The stainless steel fins curve to fit the ellipsoidal shape of the suspended structure, and provide support for the glass enclosure.