Computer Science Moves to Seeley G. Mudd Building

Computer Science at Northwestern Engineering is now in one unified space as the faculty moved into the Seeley G. Mudd Building this month.

With inviting public areas, the 22,600-square foot facility on the third floor of the newly enlarged building is designed to encourage intentional and spontaneous collaboration between faculty and students at the McCormick School of Engineering.

“Opening this new space is a key step in our plan to grow and transform Computer Science at Northwestern,” says Julio Ottino, Northwestern Engineering dean. “Given the tremendous growth in student enrollments, increases in faculty hiring, and potential for new research that connects across campus, this new space will ensure continued excellence in CS.”

Interest in computer science among students at Northwestern has grown significantly, with the number of computer science majors more than quintupling from 65 to 345 along with non-majors taking many advanced classes. CS faculty continues to expand, including five new members in the past year, two of whom focus on CS+X.

“The synergy between computer science and CS+X is exciting,” says Larry Birnbaum, professor of computer science and head of the CS Division. “We have the opportunity not only to revolutionize computer science at Northwestern, but also revolutionize Northwestern with computer science. This fantastic new space in Seeley Mudd is perfect for great interdisciplinary work, and will inspire our students and faculty alike.”

The building’s unique features include:

• Public Square: a 1,638-square-foot common area for faculty, students, and visitors to relax and meet. Four breakout rooms and two open areas can be configured to meet a variety of groups’ needs.
• Seminar Room: a 1,143-square-foot area with seating for 48 people that can be configured for faculty meetings, lectures, and industry talks.
• Idea Studio: a 597-square-foot, six-sided gathering space which can be configured for a variety of meetings. The studio includes a sideboard, sink, and refrigerator for breakfast or lunch meetings.
• Integrated Collaborative Spaces: five workspaces, each about 250 square feet, that can be made public or private by opening or closing garage-style glass doors.
• Conference Room: a 287-square-foot conference room that seats eight and features privacy glass that can go from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch.

Previously, CS faculty offices were divided between the Technological Institute and Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center.

View a map and list of CS faculty offices in the Seeley G. Mudd Building