Fuse at Mason Square

, George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

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interior
Interior
Interior
Exterior

Fifteen thousand computer science and engineering graduates in two decades! That’s what George Mason University committed to in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program.

Dedicated to creating the next generation of Northern Virginia’s technology workforce, Fuse at Mason Square will house graduate-level education and interdisciplinary research in a broad range of programs, including computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber security, among others.

Transparency, openness, and connectivity drove the development of the proposed design intended to physically and visually welcome students, educators, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and the community.

Conceived as a series of vertical neighborhoods stacked throughout the structure, Fuse’s design creates a “Main Street” or collaboration spine on each floor with a wide pathway that encourages spontaneous connections between Mason and industry partners. Cross-pollination zones also support a mixing-bowl approach to programming — intentionally interweaving Mason’s programs with partners’ spaces on every floor — encouraging connection and teamwork.

Each floor offers a loft-lab or deep lab block with column-free structural bays that meet educational and workplace needs by accommodating large classrooms and open and private offices. And a Specialty Lab core — located on multiple floors — offers a centralized resource of advanced research spaces.

Creating a marquee environment for Mason and industry partners, Fuse boasts open spaces filled with daylight and access to outdoor areas at multiple levels. From the inside out and outside in, you’ll discover dynamic learning, research, and innovation space, bolstering Mason’s efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest.

Building Facts

  • 360,500 GSF New Construction + Underground Parking
  • 15,000 Computer Science and Engineering Graduates Over 20 years
  • 1000 Students
  • 300 Faculty
  • 24 Specialty Lab Core Modules
  • Classrooms, Laboratories, Offices, Incubator Space, Event Spaces, Retail, Underground Parking
  • Targeting LEED Platinum

Fuse Architect Rob McClure on Sustainability and Design

Page Design Director Rob McClure talks about how the University's new building in Arlington, Virginia, exemplifies Mason's commitment to sustainability.

Promoting the Exchange of Ideas Between Researchers, Students and Industry

At the center of Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, Fuse will be the catalyst for digital innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collide, interact, and thrive. George Mason University faculty discuss the impact this will have both the University and outlying community.

Still video shot of a woman being interviewed about the FUSE Center

NBC Washington Spotlights Fuse at Mason Square

NBC Washington recently spotlighted Fuse and how it will serve as an innovation hub for the community – offering a wide array of capabilities, and helping the University to achieve its goal of doubling its degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering.

Watch the Video

All of us at Mason are excited to be moving forward. Everything about this project is innovative. The Arlington campus will help transform the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and establish it as the top tech-talent pipeline in the commonwealth.

Carol Dillon Kissal Mason’s senior vice president for administration and finance