Thanks to the amazing generosity of RPI alumni and Nvidia founder, Curtis Priem and the collaboration with IBM, RPI became the first educational institution in the World to house a quantum computer.

RPI’s computing center ironically resides in the former on-campus chapel which was built in 1933 for the Sisters of St. Joseph in gothic style. In 1960 the chapel was renovated to include the library until 1976 when the library was moved to the new Folsom Building. In 1979, the Vorhees Computing Center was born when RPI became the university on the cutting edge of computer science.

AOW’s work included extensive work in the basement in order for the first floor to carry the load of the quantum computer. Given the unique architecture of the building, AOW was required to remove some of the historic windows in order to crane in the housing for the computer itself. The quantum computer was also encased in a glass room so it is viewable from many vantage points. Additionally, AOW was required to coordinate floor, marble wall, and stained-glass window restoration.