Robert H. Flarsheim Building - University of Missouri Kansas City

The Robert H. Flarsheim Science and Technology Building, dedicated in April, 2000, combines the rich limestone exterior character and classic detailing of many of the existing campus buildings with a state-of-the-art interior. JBC utilized this marriage of classic design with new technologies in developing the landscape around the building. The building was constructed of a limestone-colored brick with limestone and copper accents. The location of the structure created a quadrangle, or an outdoor room, bounded by it and four other buildings. This space was designed to be a focus area for the University and an outdoor gathering place for students and faculty.
As part of the development, JBC was asked to design a memorial for the Robert H. Flarsheim Society to commemorate alumni and friends of UMKC who remember the University in their wills or estate plans. In keeping with the existing palate of stonework present the courtyard, an Indiana limestone retaining wall was designed for the memorial.

The curved wall is accented with landscape beds and will be inscribed each year with the names of new donors. Mounted on a limestone pedestal in the landscape bed above the wall, a bronze bust of Robert H. Flarsheim looks across lawn framed by the wall toward the building that bears his name. A line of columnar Ginkgo trees creates a striking backdrop for the view of the wall and strengthens the impact of the curving wall and landscape bed. Existing vegetation on the site is complimented by the addition of a variety of native Oaks and flowering ornamental trees. Curving beds of shrubs and groundcovers provide sweeps of seasonal color and help define and connect the turfgrass open spaces within the courtyard