A Bold New Chapter in Aerospace Innovation
Rising from the heart of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of ambition, precision, and partnership. This 79,000-square-foot, three-story facility gleams with a vibrant glass façade and sleek metal panels, housing cutting-edge research and office space for a high-profile aerospace tenant.
From Inspiration to Creation
The design for The Cici and Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology is a visual homage to the cosmos, blending architectural innovation with celestial inspiration. Notable architect, iKon.5 imagined the striking façade as an interplay of pleated aluminum and an assemblage of etched and dichroic glass, meant to evoke the vibrant motion of comets, shooting stars, and nebulae. These carefully crafted elements create a dynamic, ever-changing appearance as light shifts throughout the day, giving the building a sense of kinetic energy. Framed by precision-cut aluminum panels, the colorful exterior stands as a bold landmark along the main arterial road at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, symbolizing The Cici and Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology’s forward-facing mission in space exploration and innovation.
Inside, the design continues to reflect its cosmic muse. The interior spaces support collaboration and creativity, anchored by the researcher’s commons, a casual yet intentional hub where conversation and idea-sharing naturally spark over coffee or lunch. This open, welcoming area is more than a meeting spot; it’s a space designed to foster inspiration, echoing the Center’s overarching theme of exploration and discovery. Influenced by the imagery of galaxies and deep space, every design choice within the building encourages innovation, inviting occupants to imagine, invent, and push the boundaries of aviation and aerospace technology.
A Landmark of Vision, Velocity, and Aerospace Impact
Named in honor of local philanthropists Cici and Hyatt Brown, the center was made possible by the largest single gift in the university’s history. Designed by iKon.5, the visionary firm behind the award-winning Mori Hosseini Student Union, also built by Barton Malow, the building reflects a legacy of architectural excellence and innovation.
Speed met precision on this project: it became the fastest of its size ever completed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, delivered on time, within budget, and with zero safety incidents. By 2026, it’s expected to generate 400 high-paying jobs, fueling both the local economy and the future of aerospace.
But the journey wasn’t without turbulence. Constructing next to an active airport demanded heightened security and meticulous coordination with the FAA. While crane operations near airports are routine, securing FAA approval for drone flights is nearly unheard of, achieved on only two projects in the southern region, including this one.
With nearly 147,000 work hours logged, the team’s success is a testament to what’s possible when vision, expertise, and determination align.
