American University of Central Asia

The American University of Central Asia (AUCA), the premier university in the Central Asia region, constructed a new campus for its 1,200 students and 300 faculty members. The new campus consists of a central academic building, dormitories, and a sports complex, situated on a 3-hectare site. The Academic Building is the first “green” building in Kyrgyzstan and will allow AUCA to grow its liberal arts mission.

AUCA made a commitment to be a leader in sustainable energy in Central Asia and for all of its buildings to meet stringent environmental standards. The runoff from Kyrgyzstan’s mountains provides water and electricity, a geothermal heat pump system provides heating and cooling for the building. Each space in the AUCA academic building is heated and cooled via a radiant floor heating and cooling system. High efficiency lighting is used in the classrooms with occupancy sensor lighting controls.

Mr. Rice first assisted with the development of a master plan for the new campus. They then worked with HMA2, the New York-based architecture firm, and the local architects and engineers in Bishkek during the design and construction phases, providing leadership and services required to knit together the disparate services offered. (Prior Experience)