Higher Education

College campuses are great for what they are—places to bring students and faculty together in the cause of learning and research. Today, though, universities are increasingly seeking to bring in private industry, to take advantage of research synergies and help build the next generation of innovations. New science building projects and renovations need to invite and encourage corporate teams as well as establish fruitful grounds for discoveries. The University of Arkansas faced this challenge when contemplating a new building— the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, nicknamed I3R—to house labs, core facilities and office space to support five research centers of excellence. They sought to convey an inviting image and a less ivy-covered appeal, starting with the location on the Fayetteville campus.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison broke ground in April of 2023 on a $260 million facility for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. Designed by LMN Architects and Kahler Slater, the 342,990-sf project will act as a beacon of innovation for Wisconsin’s growing tech ecosystem while meeting an increased demand for programs in robotics, cybersecurity, software design, and machine learning.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville broke ground on the $63 million Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building in April of 2023. Providing the College of Engineering with world-class teaching and research venues, the 80,000-sf facility will equip students with the vital skills needed to participate in the state’s aerospace, biotechnology, and manufacturing industries. Collaborative learning environments will enhance knowledge exchange while offering unique opportunities for hands-on training.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is expanding the Gies College of Business with the construction of Steven S. Wymer Hall. The $105 million facility was designed by LMN Architects and Booth Hansen as a dynamic hub for hybrid education that supports both in-person and online instruction.

The University of Texas at Arlington opened a $76 million health sciences facility in April of 2023 for the School of Social Work. Featuring flexible, technology-enabled learning environments, the 150,000-sf building includes teaching and research labs, study areas, and offices for faculty and staff. This dynamic nexus of interprofessional education was designed by SmithGroup to enable an innovative pedagogy that enhances collaboration between allied health disciplines. 

The University of Kansas Medical Center faced a dilemma: how to support its growing research programs and faculty needs amid budget restrictions, aging buildings, and a backlog of deferred maintenance, all in the shadow of a decision by the university’s governing board that it would no longer fund new construction. Tasked instead with renovating existing facilities, KU Medical Center (KUMC) partnered with a facilities asset management company to assess and compile data on the condition of all infrastructure components, including everything from the air handling units, chillers, and boilers to the carpet and sprinkler system.

Texas A&M University has created an integrated Engineering Medicine (EnMed) program designed to train medical school students who possess degrees in engineering, computer science, physics, and/or related career experience, to identify and solve significant healthcare problems. These physicianeers graduate in four years with both medical doctor (MD) and a unique master of engineering (M.Eng.) degree that is focused on the design and implementation of medical technologies. To fulfill this mission, Texas A&M has renovated and modernized a former bank office building into the 144,000-sf EnMed Tower, equipped with large reconfigurable learning studios, simulation spaces, flexible classrooms, multidisciplinary labs, maker spaces, and virtual anatomy labs that leverage virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. The school will graduate it first class of physicianeers on May 20.

The University of Arizona opened the $85 million Applied Research Building April of 2023 in Tucson. Collocating investigators from four colleges and eight departments, the three-story, 89,000-sf structure offers state-of-the-art laboratories for engineering, applied physical sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

Texas A&M University will break ground in summer of 2023 on the $150 million Law & Education Building in Fort Worth. Designed by Stantec and Pelli Clarke & Partners, the 225,000-gsf facility will provide flexible classrooms and teaching labs for courses in business, engineering, law, and health sciences. The nine-story structure will also include maker spaces and research labs that can be used by the public and private sectors for academic programs, workforce training, and collaborative discovery.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore opened the Pharmacy and Health Professions Building in April of 2023 in Princess Anne, Md. Designed by Shepley Bulfinch and Ayers Saint Gross, the 120,000-sf facility features state-of-the-art teaching labs and simulation spaces for the School of Pharmacy, as well as accommodating courses in kinesiology, physician assistance, and physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Alamance Community College opened the $19.4 million Biotechnology Center of Excellence in March of 2023 in Graham, N.C. Designed by Clark Nexsen, the 32,000-sf facility provides a large general teaching lab, a cleanroom, seminar and conference rooms, faculty offices, and specialized labs for programs in biotechnology, medical laboratory technology, histotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is constructing the 65,000-sf Hamilton and Amabel James Center for Artificial Intelligence and Human Health in New York. Designed by HOK, the project includes the redevelopment of a former nursing residence into a world-class research hub that will drive innovation in genomics, precision imaging, and multiscale disease modeling. The 12-story facility will become the first of its kind within a U.S. medical school when it opens in late 2023. 

Stanford University broke ground in March of 2023 on a consolidated home for the Graduate School of Education. Designed by William Rawn Associates and CAW Architects, the project includes the construction of a four-story, 42,700-sf structure and a complete renovation of the three-story, 97,547-sf Education Building. The vibrant 150,000-sf complex will also integrate the existing Barnum Center for Family and Community Partnerships, with a 13,500-sf landscaped courtyard connecting the three buildings.

The United States Air Force Academy is constructing the $58 million Madera Cyber Innovation Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Designed by AECOM, the 49,000-sf building will strategically collocate the academy's Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences, the Air Force's CyberWorx center, and the Department of Homeland Security's Center of Innovation.

Emory University opened the $313 million Health Science Research Building II in March of 2023 in Atlanta. Designed by HOK, the 350,000-sf facility provides world-class research environments for a range of specialties including biomedical engineering, cardiovascular medicine, oncology, inflammation, immunology, and emerging infections.