A new building on the IU Bloomington campus, part of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, is the realization of a little-known design by noted architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

The first class, hosted by Eskenazi founding dean Peg Faimon and senior lecturer Jon Racek, was held inside the building in early December.

“Our Comprehensive Design W200 Design Practice classes are the first to use the classroom space, and it seems especially fitting that design students experience this ‘test run,’” Faimon said. “It’s a beautiful space in which to celebrate the culmination of all their work this semester. We look forward to many years of students enjoying and benefiting from the innovative, open and light-filled space.”

Faimon’s thoughts were echoed by two students in the class.

“The Mies building is a big step forward for our program and the Eskenazi School in general, and I’m excited to see what things we can do in this space,” comprehensive design major Aiden Burns said. “I think this is probably just the beginning of what’s to come.”

“The beautiful new building uniquely stands out in the middle of campus, and it’s a cool feeling to know that myself and other Eskenazi students can use this building for studying, collaborating and creating,” fellow comprehensive design major Clair Otolski said. “It was such a privilege to be one of the first students to use the space, and it is an experience I will never forget.”

Staff and faculty are encouraged to attend an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. April 8 at the new building, and classroom and breakout space will be available to faculty and students in the spring. In the meantime, here are a few photos shot by IU Studios photographer James Brosher.