he building was certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold after its construction, achieving a 45% reduction in energy use from the original building. A geothermal (ground source heat pump) cooling system is the primary cooling device in the building, along with operable windows in classrooms for natural ventilation and cooling (PSU). Portland State University’s commitment to sustainability sparked the impetus to push for a design that would achieve the LEED Gold standard. Originally designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Architects and PAE Engineering, the building serves as the main space for all of the branches of Portland State’s engineering department. In 2012, Maseeh College dean Renjeng Su solicited a call for proposals to add to the main atrium space at the entry to the building. Citing a desire for further event and student social space, ZGF and Glumac Engineering were contracted to create a design. This research attempts to address pre-design issues by identifiying potential solar energy production values and detailing high performing facade systems that the design team could choose for the addition. The research is divided into three sections: Collaboration Analysis, Facade Systems Research, and Initial Site Solar Analysis.