Construction Commences on Karsh Institute of Democracy

Charlottesville, VA – The University of Virginia (UVA) has officially begun construction on the new Karsh Institute of Democracy, a collaborative design between Höweler + Yoon and Hanbury. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on October 17, 2024.

Established in 2021 through a generous gift from UVA alumni Martha and Bruce Karsh, the Karsh Institute of Democracy is committed to addressing the most pressing challenges to democratic health. By translating research and scholarship into actionable solutions and partnering with local, national, and global partners, the Institute aims to ensure a thriving democratic future both domestically and abroad.

“There’s a wonderful parallel with the fact that the Rotunda was completed in 1826 and the Karsh Institute will be completed in 2026,” stated Alice Raucher, Architect for the University. “The team has designed a building that speaks to democratic ideals in the language of its architecture, and will promote healthy debate and discourse far into the future.”

The new facility is envisioned as an educational ecosystem poised to unite faculty, students, community and visitors. Designed to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary scholarship, and research, the building reflects the Institute's mission and values through its architectural expression. The design team worked closely with representatives from the Office of the Architect for the University, Facilities Management, the Karsh Institute, and UVA’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, which will also occupy space in the building. facilitating intentional cross-pollination of ideas and initiatives.

“As an institution dedicated to advancing democracy, the Karsh Institute has few precedents,” notes Eric Höweler, Design Lead, co-founder and partner at Höweler + Yoon. “Our aim is to create a welcoming space—a place to convene people around ideas and discourse and to find common ground in productive ways.”

A central feature of the building is its state-of-the-art auditorium, seating over 400 guests. Inspired by democratic assembly spaces worldwide, the auditorium's circular design with multiple balconies allows the audience to view discussions from various perspectives, encouraging empathy and inclusive participation—key elements in creating an environment for advancing democracy in today’s political and cultural landscape.

The facility will also house a media suite equipped with advanced audio and video recording and editing rooms, supporting the production of content designed to engage the public and expand the reach and perspective of the Institute. Additional spaces for smaller events and various amenities will facilitate a robust schedule of public programming.

Located within the Emmet-Ivy Corridor, the Karsh Institute of Democracy is poised to become a symbol of intellectual exchange and engagement on UVA Grounds. "The Emmet-Ivy Corridor is intentionally designed to invite people from all walks of life to participate in and engage with the University," said David Keith, Design Principal and CEO of Hanbury. "The Karsh Institute, along with the neighboring Virginia Guesthouse and planned Performing Arts venue are central to providing an impetus for interaction, collaboration, and discussion."

Its ideals extend to how the new Karsh Institute will be built. Earlier this year, it was selected as one of five projects across the world to be a Design for Freedom Pilot Project, an initiative aimed at eliminating forced labor in the building materials supply chain.