The Technology, Design and Safety (TDS) Center will be the first of its kind among higher education facilities in the nation. Despite the high-energy use equipment that it will house, the facility is designed to achieve zero net energy performance with a goal to inspire 21st century learning and support the preparation of students for challenging careers in industry and design, including architecture.

The site design collates the philosophy in the hard and planted materials. Reflecting the industrial character of the program natural grasses, porous pavement and Cor-Ten steel screens combine to organize the site and blend the facilities and academic programs. The entrances of the building have been organized to anticipate a future expansion of the Technology or Science Buildings while allowing the power plant and plumbing shop to co-exist.