Higher Ed


Spaces4Learning Announces Results of 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

You voted, we tallied! Spaces4Learning is proud to announce the results of the 2024 Readers’ Choice Award program. The program allows our audience to honor the best product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products and services are noteworthy in K–12 and higher-education environments.

TAMIU Partners with Greystar for Residence Hall Management

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Texas, recently announced a partnership with Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, for Greystar to manage its Office of Housing and Residence Life, according to a news release. Greystar will take over the operations for the university’s two student housing communities, University Village and the Residential Learning Community.

Marist College Selects DLR Group to Design New Campus Master Plan

Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it will partner with Marist College to design a new campus-wide master plan for its campus in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., according to a news release. The plan will serve as a blueprint for the Marist 100 initiative, a strategic plan that aligns with the college’s centennial celebration in 2029.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas Breaks Ground on New Operational Facility

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) recently broke ground on a new operational facility for its campus in Killeen, Texas, according to a news release. The Centralized Operational Reliability and Efficiency (CORE) facility will measure in at 36,000 square feet, will cost an estimated $50 million, and has an estimated completion date of spring 2026.

NC State Completes Phase 4 of New Greek Housing Area

North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., recently announced the completion of three new residential facilities in its new Greek Village, according to a news release. They add a capacity of 279 beds and about 100,000 square feet of living space across three different models. The university partnered with a design team from KWK Architects/Jenkins • Peer Architects on the project.

University of Kentucky Starts Renovations on 120-Year-Old Facility

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently launched a renovation project to restore the historic Scovell Hall, originally built in 1903. The comprehensive rebuild has an estimated completion date of 2026 and will preserve the structure’s north and west entrances. The new facility will cover about 92,000 square feet and play home to administrative services for the university’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), according to a news release.

Gordian Report: Investments in Higher Education Facilities Up 26%

Data-driven solutions provider Gordian recently released its latest State of Facilities in Higher Education report, which revealed that higher-education institutions ramped up their reinvestment in facilities by more than 26% year-over-year during 2023, according to a news release.

futuristic classroom

The Future of Learning Environments: Flexibility, Simplicity, Connectivity

Spaces4Learning recently convened a panel of ed tech experts to discuss how technology and design can help create a better learning experience for all students — and how institutions can plan, design, and assess their own vision for the classroom of the future.

HMC Architects Appoints Three New Higher Education Leaders

HMC Architects recently announced the appointment of three new higher education leaders for its practice in California, according to a news release. James Sink, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA will serve as the firm’s new higher education practice leader, while Christina Mannion and Eric Skiba will serve as Principals-in-Charge.

Austin Peay State University Debuts New EdTech Studio

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11 to celebrate the opening of a new EdTech Studio on its campus. The space within the Eriksson College of Education will offer technological training for pre-service teachers through the use of virtual reality.

Georgia Tech Breaks Ground on High-Tech Athlete Performance Center

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) recently broke ground on a new athletic center for its campus in Atlanta, Ga., according to a news release. The Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center will measure in at 100,000 square feet and include facilities for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, mental health services, nutrition, and meeting and office space.

APM Steam to Offer Steam Trap Surveys to Colleges and Universities

American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam) recently announced the launch of steam trap survey services, which a news release reports can document the operational status of and provide repair recommendations for steam traps in a facility’s steam system. The survey can increase operational integrity, energy efficiency, and safety in a steam distribution system.

Fullerton College Breaks Ground on Two New Buildings

Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif., recently announced that it has broken ground on two new buildings for its campus, according to a news release. The Maintenance and Operations Building and the Chapman Newell Instructional Building will cover a combined total of 29,713 square feet. The college is partnering with Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects for the project’s design and BNBuilders for its construction.

Boston Technical College Announces Groundbreaking of New Campus

Franklin Cummings Tech, a private technical college in Boston, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, 66,000-square-foot facility as its new campus, according to a news release. The college partnered with Studio G Architects and Studio ENEE for the facility’s design.

The American University in Cairo Selects Design Firm for Campus Expansion Project

The American University in Cairo (AUC) recently announced a Campus Expansion Project that will take place across 65 acres in Cairo, Egypt, according to a news release. The English-language, American-accredited institution will launch five new projects to serve its community of about 7,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students.

Kimball International Releases New Season of Alternative Design Podcast

Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently released the fourth season of its Alternative Design podcast, according to a news release. Host Kaelynn Reid, design futurist at Kimball International, will interview industry experts about the future of education through the lens of design and architecture. Episodes are available via Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, and more.

Liberty University Faces $14M Fine for Violation of Federal Campus Crime-Reporting Law

National news reports that the U.S. Department of Education has fined Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., a record $14 million for failure to comply with a federal campus crime-reporting law. An investigation uncovered multiple violations of the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to record and distribute information about campus crimes and other potentially dangerous situations.

Architecture & Design Firm Announces New Higher Education, Technology Leaders

Architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning firm Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C) recently announced that it has filled two significant leadership roles within the company. Nash Reyes, Assoc. AIA, will serve as the new Director of Technology; and Craig Atkinson, AIA, NOMA, DBIA, LEED AP, as the new Director of Higher Education, according to a news release.

University of Arkansas to Renovate Athletics Facility

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., recently announced a 15-month renovation project for its HPER (Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) Building on campus, according to a university news release. The renovations will feature infrastructure and architectural updates, as well as an additional 13,000 square feet of fitness center space.

University of the Ozarks Starts Construction on New Residence Hall

The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., recently began construction on a new $27-million residence hall, according to a university news release. The facility will stand four stories tall, include space for 250 beds, and will cover 64,000 square feet. It’s scheduled to open in time for the beginning of the fall 2025 fall semester.

Boston Community College Debuts Student Success Center

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new Student Success Center on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The 56,000-square-foot building is the college’s first new facility in more than ten years, and it plays home to the College Library & Learning commons, academic advising, coaching, and wraparound services to support students.

Helping McMaster University Adapt its Buildings for the Future

McMaster University is using technology to better control and manage its legacy thermal systems and create smarter buildings. Carmichael Engineering Ltd., a Canadian systems integrator, worked closely with ABB Canada’s leading experts and its highly adaptable smart building platform, ABB Cylon®, to improve energy efficiency, enhance user adaptability, and leverage innovative technologies in locations across campus.

Western Wyoming Community College Expands Access to Teletherapy

Western Wyoming Community College recently announced the launch of a new partnership that will expand mental-health support resources to rural and working students, according to a news release. The college is partnering with Uwill, a Boston-based mental-health and wellness solution for university students, to provide teletherapy opportunities to its more-than 3,000 students.

University of North Florida Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall

The University of North Florida recently announced the groundbreaking of a new Honors Residence Hall on its campus in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a university news release. The facility is set to open in fall 2025 and will be the university’s first new residence hall since 2009.

Spaces4Learning Launches Glossary of Industry Terms

Here at Spaces4Learning, we recently launched a new resource on our website—the Glossary of School Facility Planning and Maintenance. It offers clear and concise definitions of key terms and concepts used in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of K–12 and higher-education facilities.

Kennesaw State University Breaks Ground on New STEM Facility

Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus recently broke ground on a new Interdisciplinary STEM Building (ISTEM) on its campus, according to university news. The facility will measure 70,000 square feet and feature both research and teaching space across a variety of disciplines.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi to Build New Arts and Media Building

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) recently announced that construction will soon begin on a new Arts and Media Building, according to university news. The facility will stand two stories, cover 85,000 square feet, and was designed by BGK Architects and Bora Architects.

New York Medical College Opens Renovated Basic Sciences Building

New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., recently opened the doors of its newly renovated Basic Sciences Building (BSB), according to a news release. The college partnered with DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio team for the project, which cost $6.2 million and covers an estimated 18,755 square feet.

The Layered Approach

Clean air isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, schools can protect their students and staff at an affordable price. With so many entry points for threats to student and staff well-being, a single solution can’t cover every hole. Adopting a layered approach that utilizes multiple technologies allows schools to address the broad range of potential entries for pollutants. Here are a few key components of a multidimensional solution to ensure the highest air quality for your school.

Spaces4Learning 2024 Predictions for Educational Facilities: Part 2

We asked our readership to send us their predictions for 2024 trends in educational facilities. Across K–12 and higher-education campuses both, we asked for opinions on topics like technology, flexible learning spaces, campus safety & security, disaster response, and more. This article is the second in a three-part series compiling responses from educational professionals and vendors.

Construction Specialties Adds Creative Shading System to Savannah College of Art and Design

Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Midtown Atlanta stands FORTY FIVE, an architectural gem that combines residential, academic, and wellness facilities on the grounds of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Offering residence to more than 400 art students, FORTY FIVE provides more than just a place to stay.

Spaces4Learning 2024 Predictions for Educational Facilities: Part 1

We asked our readership to send us their predictions for 2024 trends in educational facilities. Across K–12 and higher-education campuses both, we asked for opinions on topics like technology, flexible learning spaces, campus safety & security, disaster response, and more. This article is the first in a three-part series compiling responses from educational professionals and vendors.

California Community College Tops Out Brand-New Campus

The Gavilan Joint Community College District recently announced the topping out of Phase 1 of a new campus in Hollister, Calif., according to a news release. Gavilan gathered with representatives from partners Blach Construction, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), and Gensler to celebrate the ceremonial placement of the final steel beam in the building’s structure.

building electricity

University of Houston System Partners with TXU Energy to Power All System Facilities

The University of Houston System has entered into a multi-year partnership with TXU Energy to provide electricity across the entire system, including its university campuses and instructional sites as well as its athletic facilities. The agreement includes investments in UH scholarships as well as energy-efficiency projects.

Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Teknion Introduces Space-Saving Kupp Flip-Top Tables

Teknion has launched a new addition to its Kupp furniture collection: the Kupp Flip-Top table. Featuring angled legs that enable straight-line nesting and integration with the Kupp horizontal nesting chair, the tables are designed for flexibility and efficient storage, the company said in a news announcement.

New LG CreateBoard Features Built-in Access to Google Play Store

LG Business Solutions USA (LG) has announced a new CreateBoard, the TR3DK-BM, to be shipped this spring. It will come with ransomware default protection ChromeOS Flex and Android 13 pre-installed and be able to access the Google Play store.

D2L Partners with Unity to Bring Extended Reality to Classrooms

Learning tech company D2L has announced a partnership with extended reality (XR) content creation company Unity to empower educators to use interactive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools to expand and deepen student education.

Zurn Elkay Launches Update to Exposed Sensor Flush Valves

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced an update to its line of exposed sensor flush valves. The new Zurn Top Mount Exposed Sensor Flush Valves With Ceramic Gear Technology take advantage of ceramic gear technology instead of solenoids to increase reliability, precision, and efficiency while also providing low-maintenance flushing.

Spiezle Architectural Group Opens Philadelphia Office

Spiezle Architectural Group recently announced the opening of a new office in Philadelphia, Pa., according to a news release. The 6,200-square-foot space will offer clients the full array of the firm’s services and will be overseen by Bob Reid, AIA, LEED AP, Principal with the firm.

University of Texas College of Education

University of Texas College of Education

Project of Distinction 2023 Education Design Showcase

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