Cornell Dedicates New Computing and Information Science Building

The 135,000-square-foot facility creates a hub for the university's growing tech programs.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Cornell University has dedicated its new Computing and Information Science Building, a 135,000-square-foot facility that serves as a hub for the school's rapidly expanding computing and information science programs. The building, designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, features a striking metal facade, collaborative workspaces, and sustainable design elements.

Why it matters

The new building represents Cornell's commitment to growing its tech and computing programs, which have seen significant enrollment increases in recent years. The facility's design and amenities are intended to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among students and faculty.

The details

The building's angled 'L' configuration connects to the existing Bill and Melinda Gates Hall, creating an outdoor gathering space for the campus community. A ribbon of faceted metal fins wraps the upper research floors, giving the building a distinctive identity. The ground floor features a student 'ramble' for individual and group study, as well as a café, large classrooms, and builder labs to encourage collaboration. The upper floors house quiet research spaces with offices and computational labs, using cross-laminated timber to bring warmth and character.

  • The building was dedicated on October 24, 2025.
  • Construction on the 135,000-square-foot facility was completed in 2025.

The players

Cornell University

A private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York.

Michael I. Kotlikoff

The president of Cornell University.

Kavita Bala

The provost of Cornell University and former dean of the Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.

Leers Weinzapfel Associates

The architecture firm that designed the new Computing and Information Science Building.

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What they’re saying

“The vision of bringing together the computing, data science and information science disciplines in one complex seemed distant five years ago. This building makes it a reality and we are already seeing rich new intellectual collaborations developing... our faculty, students and staff love being in this space.”

— Kavita Bala, Provost, Cornell University (buildingenclosureonline.com)

What’s next

The university plans to continue expanding its tech and computing programs, with the new building serving as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

The takeaway

Cornell's investment in the new Computing and Information Science Building underscores the university's commitment to strengthening its position as a leader in technology and computing education. The facility's design and amenities are aimed at fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment that will drive further advancements in these critical fields.