Step inside the Skanska-built Wayne Roberts ’85 Building at Texas A&M

The building’s exterior features a combination of glass and concrete, with an overhanging roof supported by metal columns. Outdoor seating areas and landscaped walkways create a welcoming environment for students, faculty and visitors, encouraging connection beyond the classroom setting.

“The Collaboration Plaza is at the center of the Complex and provides space for meetings and team sessions in an outdoor setting,” says Project Executive Ben Johnson.

Inside, the space is open and filled with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and a central atrium. The grand atrium seats up to 250 people for formal programs, and can be reconfigured to host student events. Additionally, eight learning studios with a 48-student capacity are configured for flexibility to help students work in teams.

A wide staircase with glass railings and wood-slat ceilings adds warmth and sophistication to the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building’s modern design.

The building sets a new standard for university facilities and business education, with technology infrastructure embedded throughout common areas and classrooms to enhance and streamline learning. Four video walls are installed in the space, with one being the largest video wall in Texas and the second largest in the United States.

Each of the facility’s learning studios are equipped with room scheduling technology, making it easy to reserve a space remotely. Inside the learning studios, walls feature sound control technology, and state-of-the-art equipment to support virtual learning.

The facility inspires collaboration and learning while supporting occupants’ overall comfort, health and wellbeing.

A wellness room on the third level offers a private, quiet space for occupants to find respite, while the first floor houses a café with nutritious grab-and-go options, convenient for busy faculty, staff and students. Huddle spaces on each floor provide a plethora of options for students to gather and relax between classes.

Safety is at the center of the space’s design too. A panic button inside the building allows for occupants to easily call for emergency assistance in the case of an external threat, while the building’s exterior façade and window wall system are designed to withstand heavy wind loads in the event of strong storms.

Skanska exceeded its commitment to Texas A&M University by spending 33% of the total contract value for the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), surpassing the original goal by seven percent.

In line with Skanska’s commitment to supporting small businesses, the team implemented proactive outreach and developed a custom tracking system to ensure transparency and progress toward the outperform target.

The Wayne Roberts ’85 Building also houses the Center for Executive Development, which supports business leaders from around the world. The Center “provides leading-edge training to organizational leaders around the globe,” according to the Mays Business School. The center sits on the building’s fourth floor and includes two learning studios, one online studio, 10 breakout rooms, a food service area and rooftop terrace.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Texas A&M University to bring a project based on connectivity, creativity and interaction to life,” says Dennis Yung, executive vice president and general manager.