Fitts-Woolard Hall is a prime example of NC State’s “engineering on display” philosophy. As the home of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the building features an industrial, transparent and highly functional aesthetic. The building is designed to make science visible. Inside the building, you will find a high-end laboratory equipped with numerous fume hoods, chemical-resistant black epoxy resin countertops and overhead service carriers for gas, air and water. The cabinetry is a light-colored wood, providing a warm contrast to the clinical white and gray industrial environment. 

Many labs feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing students and visitors walking through the hallways to see research in progress. Instructional spaces are encased in glass to maintain an open feel. These rooms feature vibrant orange accent walls, modular rolling tables for easy reconfiguration and integrated technology like large flat-screen displays.

The architectural language of the building is raw and modern. The main entryway includes a dramatic staircase with industrial black steel framing and a multi-faceted wood-paneled feature wall. This geometric wood design adds texture and a natural element to the otherwise concrete and steel structure. The ceilings throughout the hallways and labs are open, leaving the HVAC ductwork, piping and electrical conduits visible, a common design choice in engineering buildings to serve as a “living lab” for students. The floors are primarily high-gloss polished concrete, chosen for durability and to handle the heavy equipment often found in engineering departments.

 The outdoor patio at Fitts-Woolard Hall is a signature architectural feature that extends the building’s “engineering on display” philosophy to the exterior. Located on the upper levels, it offers a functional open-air space that bridges the gap between the high-tech interior and the Centennial Campus landscape. The upper floors of Fitts-Woolard Hall float over the ground level, supported by expressive, V-shaped gestural columns. This design not only creates a shaded area below but also provides a high-vantage terrace for students and faculty. Consistent with the rest of the building, the patio features high-quality industrial materials, including polished concrete, railings for unobstructed views and exposed structural steel. The area is outfitted with weather-resistant bench seating designed for casual study sessions, lunch breaks or informal departmental gatherings. Because of its elevated position, the patio provides sweeping views of The Oval, a large green space located at the heart of Centennial Campus.