Engineering and Aviation Science Complex

The Engineering and Aviation Science Complex at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. Located on the state’s oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus, this 166,000-square-foot facility houses forward-looking programs in engineering, aviation science, computer science, mathematics, and telecommunications, providing students with the resources to explore the future of technology and flight.

Designed as a LEED Gold-certified building, the complex combines cutting-edge laboratories, teaching spaces, and simulation environments within a highly sustainable infrastructure that reflects UMES’s commitment to environmental stewardship and educational advancement.

Engineering Systems that Power Discovery

Mueller Associates provided comprehensive mechanical and HVAC design services for this multifaceted academic facility. The building integrates some of the most advanced systems in higher education, including:

• A state-of-the-art nanotechnology lab with a clean room

• Four aviation simulators and a double-height equipment bay

• A supercomputer room, a television broadcast studio, and a student radio station

• A woodworking shop, faculty offices, and student commons with dining space

These spaces required complex coordination of air handling, ventilation, and energy distribution systems, all designed to meet the diverse performance needs of STEM and aviation programs while maintaining optimal comfort and safety.

A Model of Sustainable Performance

The Engineering and Aviation Science Complex achieved LEED Gold certification through a combination of high-efficiency systems and renewable energy strategies, including:

• 220 geothermal wells providing sustainable heating and cooling

• Variable flow pumping systems with frequency-controlled motors to minimize energy use during part-load conditions

• Lighting controls that respond to occupancy and daylight

• HVAC economizer controls that maximize natural ventilation

• Skylights with automatic electronic shading to optimize daylighting

• Regenerative elevators that generate energy during braking

• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures and low-mercury lamps

The geothermal system alone represents a significant leap in campus sustainability, integrating redundant pump configurations and energy-efficient distribution to ensure continuous performance—even during power interruptions.

Sustaining the Future of STEM Education

By integrating advanced technology and sustainable engineering, the complex not only reduces UMES’s carbon footprint but also serves as a living laboratory for students. The building exemplifies how sustainable infrastructure can enhance hands-on learning, providing real-world exposure to the systems shaping tomorrow’s built environment.

As a result, the Engineering and Aviation Science Complex stands as both a beacon of innovation and a model for the next generation of sustainable STEM facilities across Maryland’s higher education system.

Read more about Mueller’s work on UMES’ building in our newsletter Momentum.