UVA’s Contemplative Commons is a remarkable blend of academic, research, and serene, contemplative spaces, all designed to foster growth and enrichment in multiple aspects of student life. Its design envisioned a ‘living laboratory’ where students and the community can engage in multidisciplinary learning, mind-body practices, and research, all while being deeply connected to the natural environment. The building features flexible learning studios for academic classes, quiet reflection, physical activity, and social interaction, as well as dedicated spaces for research in human transformation and well-being. Its biophilic design, an approach that seeks to create natural, abundant connections between humans and nature, is filled with ample natural light, integrates outdoor areas, and features a central courtyard overlooking the Dell Pond. These elements reflect a commitment to the interconnectedness of the human mind and body with the natural world.

The F&R team provided comprehensive geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and special inspection services. From the project’s earliest stages, our team worked diligently to support the structural integrity and long-term performance of this groundbreaking facility.

The four-story U-shaped 57,000-square-foot structure incorporates a diverse range of construction materials, including concrete, steel, and mass timber structural elements, as well as multiple pedestrian bridges. Before construction, F&R visited the site to observe existing conditions, reviewed existing geologic and subsurface conditions, conducted a subsurface exploration, and performed laboratory testing on soil samples. F&R’s scope for the materials testing services included foundations, reinforcing steel, concrete, structural steel, and fireproofing.