Fifteen thousand computer science and engineering graduates in two decades! That’s what George Mason University committed to in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program.

Dedicated to creating the next generation of Northern Virginia’s technology workforce, Fuse at Mason Square will house graduate-level education and interdisciplinary research in a broad range of programs, including computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber security, among others.

Transparency, openness, and connectivity drove the development of the proposed design intended to physically and visually welcome students, educators, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and the community.

Conceived as a series of vertical neighborhoods stacked throughout the structure, Fuse’s design creates a “Main Street” or collaboration spine on each floor with a wide pathway that encourages spontaneous connections between Mason and industry partners. Cross-pollination zones also support a mixing-bowl approach to programming — intentionally interweaving Mason’s programs with partners’ spaces on every floor — encouraging connection and teamwork.

Each floor offers a loft-lab or deep lab block with column-free structural bays that meet educational and workplace needs by accommodating large classrooms and open and private offices. And a Specialty Lab core — located on multiple floors — offers a centralized resource of advanced research spaces.

Creating a marquee environment for Mason and industry partners, Fuse boasts open spaces filled with daylight and access to outdoor areas at multiple levels. From the inside out and outside in, you’ll discover dynamic learning, research, and innovation space, bolstering Mason’s efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest.