Berry College, McAllister Hall Animal Science Addition

Mount Berry, GA

The McAllister Hall addition creates a modern Animal Science building at Berry College, one that promotes student/faculty research interactions and stimulates cross-disciplinary collaboration. With animal science being the largest major at Berry, the 26,500-square-foot addition enhances teaching and research in animal health and production, including genetics, microbiology, and physiology.

The architecture remains consistent with the pre-existing building, while also showcasing unique exterior details to convey the focus of the program housed within. This includes a two-story “horse leg” column constructed of laminated timber, stainless steel plate, and cable to accurately exhibit the skeletal and musculature components of a horse limb as a teaching moment. Detailing of porches and canopies similarly reference other skeletal anatomy through the taper and spacing of exposed structural steel components.

Large windows bring an abundance of light into classrooms and labs, putting animal sciences on display. The addition creates a new courtyard space between the original building to promote gathering and events. A new porch offers spectacular views and edge to an active campus path.

With the Mathematical and Natural Science departments collected together in this building, there is a “One Health” focus and enhanced collaboration amongst the various sciences and majors.