Maine’s economy, historically anchored in its abundant natural resources and strong manufacturing core, is experiencing a pivotal transformation, with increasing emphasis on technology and innovation to align with broader global economic trends. Husson University, a longstanding Maine business education leader, is meeting the state’s demand for a technologically skilled workforce with Harold Alfond Hall, a visionary new home for the university’s College of Business.

Alfond Hall is situated at the southeast corner of campus—a highly visible spot reflecting the importance of the College of Business to the university. It is located adjacent to the Dyke Center for Family Business, which provides support for thousands of family-owned businesses in Maine. The proximity of the two facilities encourages collaboration between students, faculty, and business owners in solving real-world challenges in new, innovative ways.

The building’s program is designed for a unique business education model—one that emphasizes advanced technology, flexibility, and social interaction. New partnerships between academia and industry are supported by agile workspaces, simulation environments, classrooms with 360-degree teaching capabilities, and the iEX Center: a cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality innovation hub. A recent project exemplifies the school’s capabilities. Business students partnered with a local pub to create a digital twin of its premises. This virtual pub allowed hospitality students to practice working in the restaurant—and lessons-learned from their work helped the local business thrive amidst competition from national chains.

Alfond Hall embodies future-focused business education with a contemporary design that recalls the state’s agricultural legacy. Metal panels on a steeply pitched roof elegantly transition to vertical standing seams on the building’s facades, providing a modern interpretation of the regional barn vernacular. Inside, a simple material palette puts the focus on the building’s abundant natural light and sweeping views across campus to the hills beyond.

Husson University College of Business

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