UMaine’s Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center honored with prestigious design award

The Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of Maine is proud to announce that its Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center (EEDC), designed by WBRC Inc, and Ellenzweig has received a Maine American Institute of Architecture Design Award in the Institutional & Commercial category.

The 107,000-square-foot Ferland building, the newest building on the Orono campus and home to numerous MCEC classes and laboratories, was recognized for its exceptional design excellence by AIA Maine.

“The design and construction of this building has inspired continued investment in our facilities, enabling us to offer world-class, discovery-driven learning,” said MCEC Dean Giovanna Guidoboni. “This design has literally led us to the future of UMaine’s engineering and computing programs.”

The jury commended the Ferland EEDC for its comprehensive design quality, highlighting its clear organization within the campus and interior, thoughtful material choices, effective use of natural and artificial lighting to enhance circulation and gathering spaces, and the intelligent integration of the mechanical penthouse into the building’s overall form. “This project is very skillfully conceived and executed in all facets of design,” the jury stated.

A key feature noted by the jury was the Ferland EEDC’s innovative three-dimensional “Main Street” design, which seamlessly integrates labs, collaboration areas, and social hubs. The building also prioritizes energy efficiency, aiming for LEED Silver standards with features like robust heat recovery and optimized daylighting.

As part of the award, Ferland EEDC will be featured in Maine Home and Design Magazine in an upcoming edition.

The $78 Million teaching facility, opened in August 2022, and was made possible through a $50 Million state bond and $25 Million in private support, led by the $10 Million naming gift from E. James Ferland ’64 and Eileen P. Ferland. The Ferland EEDC was designed to support UMaine’s world-class engineering and computing programs, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and help address the national shortage of engineers. Its design blends brick, granite, metal panels, and glazing, creating a distinct identity while harmonizing with the surrounding campus architecture.

This facility underscores a broader investment in students, research and facilities. MCEC is a signature initiative of UMS TRANSFORMS, a $320 million investment by the Harold Alfond Foundation to foster innovation and a skilled technical workforce vital to Maine’s economy. With the Harold Alfond Foundation’s continued support, alumni contributions, and other public/private investment, MCEC is actively renovating historic Boardman Hall, constructing the new GEM building, and nearing completion of its Student Success and Advising center and other infrastructure upgrades.

Contact: Taylor Ward, taylor.ward@maine.edu