Richard King Mellon Hall

Richard King Mellon Hall is a science building at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a modern steel and glass facade organized across four floors. The ground floor contains two large lecture halls seating 250 people each, while the upper levels house research and teaching laboratories for biology, chemistry, and pharmacy programs.

The structure was completed in 1968 by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, reflecting his philosophy of minimalist and functional design. Its construction represented a shift in how universities approached the design of research facilities, emphasizing both utility and architectural clarity.

The building serves as a center for science education and laboratory work at the university. Students and researchers gather here daily to study subjects like biology, chemistry, and pharmacy.

The building is located on Duquesne University's campus with river views and is easily accessible from the main campus pathways. Large windows on multiple sides flood the interior with natural light, making it a comfortable space for studying and lab work.

The ground floor features a distinctive setback design that creates a covered colonnade around the building's perimeter, giving it a striking appearance. Clearstory windows on the north and south sides bring additional light into the lower levels throughout the day.