Case Western Reserve University Dedicates Peter B. Lewis Building; New Home Of Weatherhead School Of Management

Market Wire, 20050229

The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) today officially dedicated its new home, the Peter B. Lewis Building. The building is named in honor of lead donor Peter B. Lewis, chairman of the Progressive Corporation, who donated $36 million toward its construction. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building is the most advanced management school facility in the world and reflects Weatherhead's international reputation for innovative management education.

On the building's exterior, flowing ribbons of shining stainless steel cascade over and down the surface, while inside, fluid, curving walls defy convention. Although the building's appearance is drawing widespread attention, it is the combination of unique spaces, Weatherhead's innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art technology--including the fastest computer network of any educational institution--that creates an entirely new environment for management education and practice.

"The future of business belongs to those who constantly embrace change, risk, and explore new ideas," Lewis said. "The building is a place where people cannot help but think differently. It challenges the students, the University, and the City of Cleveland to break boundaries. The status quo is not acceptable here."

"I have always thought that Progressive can be the greatest company in the history of the world," he continued. "With this building, there is no reason Weatherhead cannot aspire to be the greatest business school."

Genesis of an icon

In 1996, the Weatherhead School made the strategic decision to build a new main building that would consolidate the School's programs and activities in one campus location. One goal of the new building was to send a strong message that Weatherhead is firmly in the vanguard of management education.

"The Peter B. Lewis Building is a new landmark for Cleveland and an instantly recognizable icon for the Weatherhead School that will have widespread influence," said CWRU President Edward M. Hundert. "This wonderful building is so very important to the Weatherhead School and also to the entire Case Western Reserve University community. It both signals and symbolizes our innovative and transformative future as a great research university. The Peter B. Lewis Building will help us make an impact on our community by attracting students outside of the region--bringing new minds here to stay--and generating increased attention to the important work the School is doing."

"We are confident that the building will live up to the reputation of Mr. Lewis, whose generosity made today possible," Hundert continued. "He has the University's most sincere thanks and gratitude, and more importantly, a very serious commitment to realize his vision for the School, Cleveland and the future of business."

Aunique environment

Members of the University's Board of Trustees interviewed and subsequently retained architect Frank Gehry, and found the ideal partner to help communicate Weatherhead's legacy of innovation. Gehry saw the incredible potential of the project and worked closely with Weatherhead faculty and staff throughout the creative process.

"I was honored to be chosen by the University to give shape to Weatherhead's spirit of innovation," said Gehry. "The project presented a unique challenge--to rethink contemporary education--and I asked the faculty some tough questions: What is the best classroom? How does the space you teach in encourage the generation of new ideas? Their answers drove the design, and I think we've brought a certain sense of democracy to the academic environment."

Gehry's design effectively eliminates the traditional relationship between teacher and student. Interior spaces are specifically designed to encourage informal student-faculty interaction, making teachers and students equal partners in the learning process. Multiple classroom configurations accommodate a variety of teaching techniques and group interaction. In fact, no two classrooms are exactly alike, so students are constantly faced with changing perspectives.

Anew way of learning

The building's thoughtful design extends far beneath its surface, combining with state-of-the-art technology to create a learning environment that responds to the evolving demands of management education. The switched-gigabit computer network is capable of transmitting a billion bits of data per second to the desktop or laptop, via data ports located at every classroom seat and throughout the building. In classrooms, advanced audio and video capabilities enable multimedia presentations, distance learning and worldwide video conferencing, controlled by instructors at custom-designed, "command module" lecterns.

"The connectivity that permeates this building enables unprecedented spontaneity in learning--something that can be shared within the classroom and anywhere in the world," commented Mohsen Anvari, the Weatherhead School's Dean and Albert J. Weatherhead, III Professor of Management. "The Peter B. Lewis Building both complements the School's reputation for innovation and enhances our learning environment, resulting in a unique and powerful educational experiences for 21st century business leaders."