ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Board of Regents Thursday approved the schematic design of a $13 million classroom and office addition to U-M’s A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning.

Construction is slated to be completed on the 16,300 square-foot addition by spring 2010.

The first addition since the college’s current building was built more than 30 years ago was necessary to accommodate growth of more than 15 percent over the past 10 years as well as increasing demand for design and research space.

“The addition allows us to accommodate enrollment and faculty growth over the last decade, as well as to stretch ourselves academically into the future,” said Doug Kelbaugh, dean of architecture and urban planning. “It’s located and configured to work very well programmatically, architecturally and environmentally. The long south facade is not only perfect for passive solar heating, its transparency will give a more contemporary and welcoming feel to the building.”

New spaces will include open design studios, design-review spaces, a reading room, a classroom, a seminar/research room, 17 faculty offices, two connective stairs, as well as restrooms and other support spaces.

The addition is designed to be a completion of the current building by extending foreshortened corridors, connecting adjacent but isolated departments and transforming the back door of the existing building into a much-needed front door for the college in a highly visible, environmentally sustainable design.

The addition will provide a unique opportunity as a learning tool for students preparing to join a profession increasingly involved in environmentally conscious design. Several sustainable strategies are being incorporated into the project, including passive solar energy collection, natural day-lighting, solar shading, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and use of sustainable building materials.

Seen from Glazier Way to the south, the addition’s long glass fa