Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation

General Contractor:  Beck Group

Architect:  SmithGroup

LEED Certification:  Silver 

The mission of the new 3-story, 50,000 square foot Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and
Innovation building is to ignite and inspire world-changing solutions to 21st century problems
through interdisciplinary inquiry and access to the emerging digital world.

Home to Guildhall Game Development Program (from Plano), AT&T Center for Virtualization,
Data Science Hub, and the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, the new facility aspires to
create a culture of interdisciplinary inquiry through highly flexible and adaptable shared studio
spaces. Students from all Colleges and Departments are encouraged to collaborate together
and with industry partners on joint research initiatives in a high performance computing space.

A shared, state of the art visualization lab supports and inspires new and innovative research,
and allows researchers a venue to display and celebrate their work. At the heart of the facility is
a large conference room and collaborative café where students, faculty and industry partners
can meet and socialize together in an effort to further encourage interdisciplinary
communication.

Some key design features include:

• Demountable wall systems throughout to maximize space flexibility
• State of the art raised floor system for data and electrical distribution flexibility
• High efficiency lighting technology throughout
• Privacy for confidential game development
• Leading edge Audio Visual projectors and LED monitors
• LEED Silver Goal

Key Areas:

Visualization Lab
The Visualization Lab is a multi-purpose, flexible space for classes, research presentations, and
events that can seat up to 60 people and can serve as a small auditorium space. The lab will be
outfitted with a state of the art, multiuse 40 ft x 8 ft LED touch-screen capable of real time
interaction between students and instructor.

Broadcast Booth
Located in the lobby the broadcast booth is the center of Guildhall’s interactive gaming events
that allows streaming of real time gaming competitions and interaction with other gaming
groups viewable by visitors on large format monitors.