Ralph S. O'Connor Building for Engineering and Science

Headquarters to Rice WaTER Institute

Ralph S. O’Connor – Front "Engineering Quad" Entrance

Rice University's address is 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005 via Google Maps. Look for numbered markers at entrances. It is better to search on maps for building names rather than "Rice University."

Driving & Parking You will need to provide a credit card to enter the lot.

a) The best option for visitor parking is available in the Founder’s Court Visitor Lot in front of Cohen House Faculty Club.
To access the lot, enter campus through Entrance No. 1 or No. 2 from Main Street; the lot will be located on the left.

b)The next best is North Lot Annex off Entrance 20 “Alumni Dr.” This option requires a pretty nice stroll down Campanile Rd sidewalks.

Walking Paths towards Ralph S. O’Connor Building

a) From Founders Court, cross to the sidewalk path and then cross the Inner Loop, passing through Anne and Charles Duncan Hall, and exit the back, arriving at the street. Walk towards the next building's sliding glass entrance. Or as the diagram shows, follow the outside path to the Back Entrance of the building. (Sidewalks are also wheelchair accessible).

b) From North Lot Annex, walk the path down Campanile Rd. until you reach the street's end, turn right walking along the Ralph S. O'Connor and continue walking to the end of the building towards the sliding glass entrance. You can enter the art installation hall as well. Bathrooms and water station are on the left.

RWI Offices

🔔 Suite 115 See "Rice WaTER Institute" etched on glass door. Visitors can push the doorbell above the card scanner to alert the office of your arrival.

Event Space on 5th Floor, 510 Conference Room and Terrace

🛗Find Elevators to 5th Floor behind Conference Room 131, right of the basement stairwell. You can climb the stairwell to the 5th floor as well.

📛All registered guests must have a name badge for security.

🚻Bathrooms will be at the entrance of the elevators.

🔋Room has charging outlets.

Rice WaTER Institute's headquarters in the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science, a landmark new research facility the university hopes will attract and retain talented faculty and graduate students with its customizable, cutting-edge labs and amenities. You will find many important art installations within and around the building.

At 250,000 square feet, the O’Connor building is the largest research facility in the university’s historic core campus (second largest overall). The building design maximizes laboratory space and promotes interdisciplinary research and innovation through open, inviting collaboration spaces. The common areas feature a lobby and a café, and the top level boasts a multi-purpose event space and outdoor terrace with an iconic view of Rice campus and the city beyond.