University of Virginia Partners with BenchPro on Studio Space

The University of Virginia School of Architecture (UVA) is providing students with a new and improved design education environment which includes a 24,000 square foot renovation project as well as model making spaces.

Campbell Hall offers two full floors of studio space and fabrication spaces. Model making facilities are available throughout the building as well as renovated classrooms. This inspiring environment is where future architects and designers experiment and create with the use of specialized equipment.

Anselmo Canfora, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Academics at UVA, enlisted BenchPro’s help with the manufacturing of workstations. The company, Canfora and Iñaki Alday (Chair of the Architecture Department at the time) worked together to design and equip a series of highly purposeful studio spaces that would support architectural design education.

“Campbell Hall is a significant example of modern architecture on this historic campus. Built in 1970, it has served the School of Architecture very well,” explains Canfora. “Following an aggressive schedule, the redesign of the design studios and supporting spaces focused on improving the working environments of the A-School to promote well-being, creativity, and collaboration.”

The UVA project was completed the winter of 2019 through a university-wide effort that involved a variety of groups. It now provides a series of exceptional learning environments for students, staff, and faculty of the School of Architecture to work together.  The state-of-the-art facilities support 21st century architectural education and research, supporting students while they flourish through thoughtful experimentation.

“It was an honor to manufacture the 450 lab benches for the University of Virginia School of Architecture, in collaboration with Anselmo Canfora and the university,” says Xano Wang, co-owner of BenchPro. “We are proud to help bring new life to this space – we know how the look and function of a lab can power the creative process.”

Featured

  • Dallas ISD Voters Approve $6.2B Bond Package

    Dallas ISD voters have approved a record-setting $6.2-billion bond package that district leaders say will modernize aging campuses, eliminate portable classrooms and reshape learning environments across one of the nation’s largest school systems.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Girl Sitting at Library Desk, Using Laptop

    How Campus Design Shapes the Finals Week Experience

    Academic performance is not just about preparation. It is closely tied to how students manage stress, maintain their energy, and shift between work and recovery modes. Much of that is influenced, directly or indirectly, by design.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.