Located prominently along the campus loop road, Filippi Academic Hall maintains the architectural integrity of the campus’ distinctive Spanish Colonial style, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and design to create one of the most innovative teaching environments on campus. The new building houses eight classrooms in different configurations, including Montessori, general and seminar. Observation rooms, which incorporate two-way mirrors, are used by the Psychology Department and the Reading Recovery Program, where graduate students can observe how children learn how to read.The testing center includes one 18-seat testing room, two mid-size computer testing rooms, two individual testing rooms, and a tutoring center. The computer lab has 30 student workstations. Advanced technological tools such as wireless Internet and built-in ceiling projectors aid the delivery of academic content. Ratcliff achieved energy efficiency throughout the building by incorporating intelligent building controls for heating/ cooling systems and lighting. “Breakout rooms” for informal student-faculty gatherings are interspersed between faculty offices. Outdoors, the courtyard serves as a space where students can meet and socialize.