Building Change’s Post

VMDO Architects along with Zyscovich is honored to have led the master planning effort for Rollins College , a nationally recognized liberal arts institution set against the picturesque backdrop of Winter Park, Florida. Known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture and serene lakeside location, Rollins offers a campus that seamlessly blends academic excellence with natural beauty. Launched in 2023, this 18-month comprehensive master planning initiative examined every facet of the college's operations—academic, athletic, residential, and administrative. Collaborating with nationally recognized consultants and the Rollins community, we synthesized a strategic vision to guide the College's future. Key priorities, including: - Enhancing academic spaces with flexible, technology-rich classrooms. - Expanding on-campus living to foster intellectual growth, health, wellness, and belonging. - Strengthening connections with Winter Park and Central Florida. - Supporting over-enrolled programs with improved teaching and learning environments. - Delivering best-in-class dining and athletic facilities. Guided by Rollins’ Mission and Strategic Plan, this effort ensures the College’s continued success while planning for a future as bold as its past. Learn more about how VMDO Architects helps campuses like Rollins envision and achieve their boldest aspirations. #CampusMasterPlan #RollinsCollege #HigherEducation #VMDOArchitects #CampusDesign #Tars

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” - Winston Churchill, 1943 The link between intentional design and society is linear – because while architecture shapes our students, it’s the students that shape our future. And campuses worldwide are sparing no detail, specifying materials for both functionality and aesthetics. These elements breathe life into universities, building community and encouraging academic success. Don’t neglect the details. Check out our Education Brochure: https://buff.ly/3KqbrOo #Education #Architecture #HigherEd #Universities #IntentionalDesign #StudentSuccess #Academics #AcademicSuccess #BuildingCommunity #SCAD #BuildingMaterials #CSolutions #PeopleBuildingsBetter

Did you know that schoolchildren spend 8-900 hours at school each year? ⌚ That’s a lot of time, so our children should have the best indoor spaces to live, play, and learn in. As Europe, including the UK, faces a surge in school construction, it’s key that our architects and educators rethink school design. Here are three key elements that can improve school environments 👇

For anyone looking for tangible insights about the future of higher education, you definitely want to watch this latest Alternative Conversation: Attracting the New Higher Ed Learner! Education is changing and so are the demands for learning environments both on and off campus! Huge thank you to Bryan Alexander, Marianne Lewis, and Fiona Grandowski for an incredible discussion featuring topics like the future of lifelong learning, , upskilling, university partnerships, the hybrid classroom, and well-being resources for both students and teachers. https://lnkd.in/g3DiP_Uj

We are proud to announce that we have partnered with the University of Waterloo to update its Campus Plan. The Plan serves as a roadmap for the University’s built environment. A guide for replacing ageing infrastructure and adapting existing space, this plan will ensure the work is done resourcefully and meets the changing needs of students and the greater campus community. Of particular note, the inclusion of The Indigenous Design Studio—who have recently completed the Indigenous Gathering Space on BMH Green, Long House Labs, and the Indigenous Relations office suite on campus—represents a continuing relationship with the University in a mission to foster connection, cultural awareness, and learning. “Brook McIlroy is committed to supporting the University of Waterloo on this essential initiative. Our extensive work with post-secondary institutions across Canada has demonstrated the value of thoughtful and strategic campus planning. By prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and cultural inclusivity, we are committed to addressing UWaterloo’s critical needs while creating a campus that reflects the University’s values and its long-term vision.” - Anne McIlroy, Principal https://lnkd.in/ga9KBYFA

“Flexible, dynamic environments that accommodate learning and social activities, responding to evolving needs of modern education.”   A true collaboration with our project partners Mayoh Architects, the design for Macarthur Anglican School’s specialist senior learning facility the Warren Integrated Studies Hub reflects a deep understanding of the evolving needs of modern education.   Responding to changes in the school’s educational program and recognising the proven benefits of outdoor learning, the spaces have been designed to offer flexible, nurturing, dynamic environments that accommodate a variety of learning and social activities.   These spaces encourage hands-on exploration, connectivity, critical thinking, and creativity, allowing students to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way. Each learning space has landscape views and access to outdoor learning spaces. The open-ended nature of the design lets students connect with the natural environment, whilst interpreting and using the space dynamically, fostering independence and collaboration. Client: Macathur Anglican School Project: Warren Integrated Learning Hub Sector: Education View more: https://lnkd.in/gqSBYrEc LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | PLANNING | URBAN DESIGN | VISUAL DESIGN Nick Ison #educationdesign #landscapearchitecture #design #learningenvironments #education #schools #Australianeducationlandscapearchitecture #stemeducation

Higher education design typically evokes images of lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but education design is going through an exciting period of change. Education interiors need to achieve a blend of organisational design and aesthetics in order to create effective spaces for students. Read our latest article about the 10 key design principles for higher education spaces ⬇️ #highereducation #campusdesign #educationspace

As summer arrives and campuses quiet down, the hidden hustle behind higher education projects comes to life. For months, design teams like ours have been diligently laying the groundwork for the next generation of educational facilities that will shape the future.   Take the upcoming The University of Georgia Dining and Wellness Center, set to open in 2026. Although it may seem distant, the intricate planning and design work happening now are crucial to ensuring a seamless construction phase and successful project completion.   Behind every groundbreaking ceremony lies a story of months—sometimes years—of meticulous preparation. This advanced planning allows construction crews to capitalize on the summer months when campuses are less busy, minimizing disruption and ensuring students return to enhanced facilities each fall.   Our commitment to innovation and forward-thinking design ensures that every detail is meticulously accounted for, even those you may never see but are critical to the success of such projects. From state-of-the-art dining halls to wellness centers, academic buildings and student housing facilities, our designs are crafted with the future in mind.   Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re transforming higher education landscapes across the region.   #HigherEdDesign #CampusInnovation #ArchitecturalExcellence #FutureOfEducation

One Year Down, Infinite Horizons Ahead at UMass Amherst! It's hard to believe that two semesters have gone by since I embarked on the incredible journey of the dual M.Arch./M.RP. program at UMass Amherst. These past few months have been a whirlwind of exploration and discovery, pushing me to new heights in both design and planning. 1. Timber Triumphs & Tech Explorations: ️ 🏗 From delving into the world of mass timber construction to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge design technologies used right here in the US, the program has exposed me to a treasure trove of knowledge that's already transforming my approach to architecture. 2. Studio Spotlight: "Where Models Meet Masterminds.." 🏚 The architecture studios have been a crucible of creativity. I've honed my model-making skills to a fine art, collaborated with inspiring minds in interactive design sessions, and learned to translate ideas into tangible realities. 3. The MRP Advantage: "A Blessing in Disguise" 🙏 While the M.Arch. focuses on the intricate world of design, the MRP program has become an unexpected blessing. The integration of these two disciplines has opened my eyes to the bigger picture, allowing me to see how design and planning can work together to create truly impactful spaces. This dual degree is more than just a qualification; it's a passport to a future where I can shape not just buildings, but entire communities. Here's to the next chapter, and to all the amazing things to come! 🌟 #UMassAmherst #MArchMRP #DualDegree #Architecture #Planning #DesignThinking #FutureReady

The exterior design of this #building helps the structure blend in with its surroundings. #landscape