Owner Maryland Institute College of Art
Architect: Zieger Snead Architects
Structural Engineer: Morabito Consultants, Inc.
Civil Engineer: Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP
General Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) Brown Center is a striking addition to the campus. This 61,000-square-foot facility, the first new building on campus in nearly a century, serves as the hub for MICA’s expanding digital arts program. With a construction cost of $17,321,000, the Brown Center’s innovative design transformed a former parking lot into a vibrant campus centerpiece that integrates classrooms, exhibition spaces, a 535-seat auditorium, and outdoor gathering areas.
D.W. Kozera, Inc. provided geotechnical engineering services for the MICA Brown Center, including subsurface investigations and construction testing and observation. The team addressed challenges such as man-placed fill soils, perched groundwater conditions, and the proximity of the building’s foundations to an existing CSX rail line. By offering recommendations for foundation placement, underfloor drainage systems, slope stabilization, and excavation support, D.W. Kozera, Inc. supported the project’s successful completion. These geotechnical solutions enabled the realization of the architects’ vision while meeting the demanding technical requirements of the project.
The Brown Center has earned national recognition for its innovative design and cultural impact, receiving awards such as the 2006 Dedalo-Minosse International Prize. It has become a focal point for collaboration, creativity, and public engagement, increasing campus event programming by 50% and drawing significant acclaim. D.W. Kozera, Inc. is proud to have supported this transformative project, showcasing our commitment to excellence in geotechnical engineering and construction services.
