Designed by KMF Architects and Brooks + Scarpa, the University of Florida Architecture Building Atrium Canopy transformed one of the college's most recognizable spaces into a more functional, comfortable, and resilient environment while preserving its defining architectural character.

For years, the building's open-air atrium served as a central gathering space for students and faculty, but the absence of a planned canopy exposed the interior to rain, creating ongoing maintenance concerns, operational challenges, and limitations on how the space could be used. The project sought to address these issues without sacrificing the atrium's celebrated connection to the sky and natural daylight.

The design team undertook an extensive evaluation of potential solutions, exploring traditional skylight systems, solar canopy concepts, and advanced lightweight enclosure technologies. The selected solution utilizes an ETFE canopy system that provides protection from the elements while maintaining the openness, transparency, and daylight qualities that define the space. Lightweight and highly efficient, the ETFE structure allowed the design to work within the constraints of the existing building while minimizing impacts to the original architecture.

The new canopy enhances the atrium's performance by improving weather protection, supporting passive cooling strategies, and preserving abundant natural light throughout the space. At the same time, it expands the building's functionality, allowing student reviews, exhibitions, lectures, pinups, and special events to take place regardless of weather conditions.

Today, the atrium serves as a vibrant year-round destination for collaboration, learning, and design discourse. The intervention is intentionally understated, appearing as though it has always belonged to the building while dramatically improving its usability and performance.

The result is a thoughtful architectural solution that respects the legacy of the original structure while supporting the evolving needs of future generations of designers.