Project 0676: IRS Computer Center Building Prototype

Scope and content:

Design and construction drawings for the Internal Revenue Service. Expandable prototypical computer center building to be adapted and built on nine campuses. Unbuilt.

Extended Description: Designed by Willis in 1976 for the General Services Administration and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the project entailed the development of a prototypical computing center planned for construction on 9 regional complexes scattered throughout the United States. A totally flexible building, the hexagonal shape adapted easily to differing sites, the angular sides meshing with building configurations like a pinion and a wheel.

Capable of accommodating 1 to 4 levels, Willis' design incorporated energy conservation techniques, task and user-friendly lighting and work stations, and flexible distribution systems researched and developed as a portion of the design scope. The open-air courtyard at the center of the building increased the amount of natural light and air available to the occupants and provided a natural compliment to the technologically-driven building.

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to research.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.