Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Florida Polytechnic University Debuts New Applied Research Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/15/22

Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new, $47-million Applied Research Center. The facility measures in at more than 90,000 square feet, according to a university news release, and it houses amenities like research and teaching laboratories, student design space, faculty offices and conference rooms, and study spaces. It also doubles the campus’ available lab and research space and aims to position Florida Polytechnic as one of the state’s leading STEM institutions.

The university partnered with architecture firm HOK and construction and development firm Skanska for the project. The building as received a LEED Silver certification and contains sustainability features like an insulated glazing system and reflective curtain wall.

“It is always a pleasure when we can partner with a long-term client like Florida Polytechnic University,” said Michael C. Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Skanska’s Florida building operations. “Our team is honored to deliver another state-of-the-art academic building that will afford the university more space to advance its STEM curriculum. Skanska has established itself as a leader in higher education construction, and as Florida continues to experience an influx of people and companies, we recognize that the state’s need for more academic space will continue to grow—and we stand ready to help address that demand.”

The project’s construction began in fall 2019, and the finished building stands in the northwest side of campus. Its architecture and design deliberately complements the nearby Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building, also built by Skanska and completed in 2014.

“The future is bright for Florida Poly, and our ambitions are high,” said University President Randy Avent. Our goal is to be a premier STEM university known for producing highly desirable graduates and new technology solutions. I strongly believe that with the new Applied Research Center, we are charging full speed toward that goal.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Minnesota District Starts Construction on Early Childhood Learning Center

    Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Sauk Rapids, Minn., recently announced that construction has begun on a new early childhood learning center and a new outdoor activities complex, according to a news release.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.