Buildings & Facilities
Pratt's New Engineering Education and Research Building
Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering are committed to the need for a critical pipeline of skilled engineers capable of growing our economy, developing clean and sustainable energy solutions, and nurturing entrepreneurship. Pratt’s new facility for education and research supports our drive to address society’s grand challenges, and to prepare Duke students to be leaders and innovators in the 21st century global workforce.
Building Our Future
How many engineering schools in the country can claim a 200% increase in research expenditures from 2000 to 2009? Duke can. Among the top ten graduate schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Duke was #1 in percentage growth of research spending. Along with research, the Pratt School of Engineering has grown remarkably at all levels:
- Between 1999 and 2011, Pratt’s tenure track faculty grew from 69 to 98, with a desire to reach 120 by 2016-17.
- Spurred by industry’s rising entry-level requirements, Ph.D. enrollment has increased by 30% and master’s program enrollment by 324% since 2002.
- Undergraduate enrollment is also up by 250 new students since 2004.
- The number of non-engineering students taking engineering courses has risen steadily—and the demand is growing.
As a result, we are fast approaching the limits of our physical space. The Fitzpatrick Center added considerable square footage but much of its space has been devoted to research. The few classrooms it houses cannot accommodate the undergraduate and master’s growth that swelled after its completion in 2004. If Duke is to maintain its reputation for small classes, close personal attention from faculty, and hands-on instruction, more classrooms are needed.
However, the amount of space is not the only issue. Most of Pratt’s undergraduate classrooms and labs are still located in Hudson Hall, a facility built in 1949 and designed in the days when college classes were more lecture-intensive. Despite upgrades, Hudson Hall lacks the mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support our modern pedagogy and lab-based instruction.
Located at the end of Science Drive, our new engineering education and research building will add 60,000 net square feet to our current space, with the space being divided equally between education and research.
The classrooms in the building will reflect the immersive quality of 21st century education. Many will be designed as flexible spaces that seamlessly morph from classroom to a hands-on learning laboratory. And each will be equipped with the interactive and media technology required for new learning techniques.
To learn more, download the brochure.
Naming Opportunities
Classrooms and Community Student Spaces
| Pratt Lecture Hall - 200 seats | $3,500,000 |
| Large Classroom - 100 seats | $1,500,000 |
| Small Classroom - 50-60 seats | $750,000 |
| Common Pratt Space | $2,000,000 |
| Administrative Offices | $100,000-$250,000 |
| Conference Rooms | $125,000-$187,500 |
Engineering Design Center
| Pratt Design Suites | $500,000 |
| Pratt Design Consultation Spaces | $200,000 |
| Light Shop/Fabrication Lab Facility | $750,000 |
| Offices for Departmental Lab Managers | $150,000 |
| Department Class Laboratories | $500,000 |
| Multifunctional Laboratories | $400,000 |
Masters Education
| Masters Program Suites | $800,000 |
| Team Meeting Rooms with Lockers | $325,000 |
| Program Suite Areas | $325,000 |
| Computer Labs with Carrels | $175,000 |
| Director's Offices | $100,000 |
| Masters Program Offices | $50,000 |
Faculty Research Space
| Research Laboratory Suites | $700,000 - $1,000,000 |
| Wet Laboratory Space | $600,000 |
| Dry Laboratory Space | $300,000 |
| Damp Laboratory Space | $300,000 |
| Laboratory Prep Area | $100,000 |
| Laboratory Offices | $500,000 |
