Rafik B. Hariri Building, Washington D.C.

The Rafik B. Hariri Building, a modern addition to Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, stands as a testament to the blending of tradition and innovation in business education. Spanning 179,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility brings together all aspects of the business program under one roof.

Opened to students in the fall of 2009, the building features 15 classrooms, 34 breakout rooms, 15 conference rooms, 11 interview rooms, a 410-seat auditorium, two large lounges, and 120 faculty offices. This comprehensive setup ensures that students have access to a variety of spaces tailored for different educational needs, all equipped with data ports, flat-screen monitors, and videoconferencing capabilities for global connectivity.

The design of the Rafik B. Hariri Building is a harmonious blend of Georgetown's historical architecture and modern aesthetics. Its south elevation, adorned with stone masonry and steel, echoes the university’s traditional structures, while the east elevation features a panoramic glass pavilion that signifies transparency and openness. A central glass, skylit atrium serves as the heart of the building, creating a bright, transparent circulation space that maximizes natural light and symbolizes the clear, open nature of business education at Georgetown.

Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the building's design, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The building incorporates selective glazing, a lighting system that is expected to save 15 percent in energy consumption, water-efficient plumbing and landscaping, and the use of recycled materials sourced from local companies.