Dean Malat

Jennifer Malat

Dean of the UNM College of Arts & Sciences

"The new Humanities and Social Sciences Building creates a vibrant center for learning and collaboration at the heart of Main Campus that will benefit nearly every Lobo during their UNM education. Two master teams with deep New Mexico connections and international prestige are designing the building. Together, we're creating a place of learning and beauty for the university, the city, and the state. Join us in building the future of learning and community at UNM’s campus."

The Architect Team

World-Class Design Partnership

Studio Tsien Architects (STA)

  • Lead Partner: Billie Tsien, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and 2013 National Medal of Arts recipient
  • Portfolio includes: Obama Presidential Center, U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, James Baldwin Library, and the Barnes Foundation
  • Known for creating "containers for community" with architecture rooted in "profound optimism"

SMPC Architects

  • New Mexico-based expertise since 1944
  • Portfolio includes: Isotopes Park, Chaco Culture National Park Visitor Center, UNM Duck Pond
  • The "P" honors George C. Pearl, for whom UNM's School of Architecture and Planning Building is named
hss architect team

The HSS facility brings together two exceptional architectural firms:

Together, they're creating a facility that honors our state's heritage while putting UNM on the architectural map.

Making Space for the Future of UNM Education

The new HSS facility features:

State-of-the-Art Classrooms

  • Active learning environments that foster critical thinking and engagement
  • Flexible spaces for small group learning and large lectures
  • Tech-ready designs for online and hybrid learning

Creating Collaboration

  • Accessible design for all students and faculty
  • A community living room and shared spaces for discussion & connection
  • Informal areas for learning and dialogue across disciplines
  • A podcasting studio to support student- and faculty-created work, community partnerships, and new ways of sharing information & expertise

Research Excellence

  • Modern research spaces equipped for current and future technological needs
  • Spaces that encourage innovation and discovery, including a Digital Humanities lab and Humanities Research Center
  • Flexible environments supporting individual and collaborative projects

Community Connection

  • Public gathering and event space with views of the Sandias
  • Community kitchen for hosting events, holding class, and sharing food
  • Ground-floor public areas that extend to Smith Plaza
  • A design that reflects New Mexico’s diverse cultural heritage and landscape for students, faculty, and campus visitors