Tuscaloosa, AL – The University of Alabama today announced plans for an “extreme makeover”, implementing recommendations from Shepley Bulfinch’s recent library study to create a collaborative technology-rich learning environment for Gorgas Library. The redesign will integrate flexible seating, new lighting, and the creation of variety of individual and group learning spaces as part of the new Gorgas Library Learning Commons.

“We’re creating a communal space in a library where students and faculty come together to work, to do research, to get help from librarians, to get coffee…” said Gary Wasdin, assistant dean for the Library’s access and information services.

The library’s first floor, which is currently closed for renovation, is expected to ...[more]

Shepley Bulfinch’s design of the Anderson University Center at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota has won a Facilities Design Award from the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), it was announced at ACUI’s annual conference last week.

“This award honors more than the design of the Anderson Center,” said Shepley Bulfinch project designer Luke Voiland. “It recognizes the value of a design and planning process that brought everyone to the table.”

Since it opened last fall, the Carol Young Anderson and Dennis L. Anderson Center has become the heart of ...[more]

Hamline University celebrated the newest addition to the school’s St. Paul, Minnesota, campus on Friday, with the dedication of the Carol Young Anderson and Dennis L. Anderson University Center.

Hamline President Linda Hanson was joined by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community leaders for the event, and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman proclaimed October, 5 2012 as Hamline University Anderson Center Day in the city. Composer and pianist Steven C. Anderson, Hamline ’88, debuted “Gratitude,” his musical composition commissioned for the occasion, at the alumni dinner the previous evening.

In her ...[more]

The University of New Mexico’s Science and Math Learning Center in Albuquerque has received LEEDGold certification from the US Green Building Council.

The LEED® for Schools™ rating system under which it was certified addresses core learning areas and requires higher performance standards for air quality, acoustics, daylighting, and thermal comfort than other LEED programs. 

The project deploys a wide range of sustainable design strategies and techniques that focus on enhancing the learning environment and fulfills the University’s commitment to establishing a green footprint.

The Science and Math Learning ...[more]

A “topping out” ceremony on September 9 marked the symbolic installation of the last piece of structural steel for the Health and Biomedical Sciences Center at the University of Houston, which will feature the College of Optometry’s Vision Institute. In keeping with tradition, a small tree and a flag were attached to the steel beam, which bears the signatures of those involved in the project from the university and the design and construction team. Dr Earl Smith, dean of the UH College of Optometry spoke at ...[more]

Philadelphia University broke ground Friday on the new home of the College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce. The $20 million academic building is designed to support the innovative curriculum of the new college, which emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning and collaborative problem-solving.

“The College of Design, Engineering and Commerce is unique and this striking new building that will support and enhance the powerful academic experience,” said Philadelphia University president Stephen Spinelli. “Students gain expertise in their disciplines and a fluency in the transdisciplinary ways of the 21st-century work world on a much larger scale than what we’ve seen in higher ...[more]

“Collaboration Station,” a feature in the May 2011 issue of University Business magazine, discusses the design of collaborative study spaces in higher education. Ed Gomes of Duke University talks about the Duke Link, the interactive teaching and learning space designed by Shepley Bulfinch which opened in 2008, noting that the project “was about creating an atmosphere in which people can experiment.”

Since the Link opened in 2008 it has attracted significant attention from institutions of higher education and architects across the US. Ed Gomes discussed the Link’s creation in a ...[more]

With hard hats on and shovels in hand, students, faculty, alumni, and donors broke ground on Hamline University’s new University Center today at the site for the new building, on the southwest edge of Hamline’s campus in St. Paul, Minnesota.  University President Linda Hanson announced that the building would be named the Carol Young Anderson and Dennis Anderson University Center, in honor of the project’s lead donors.

The three-level glass and terra cotta building will include large and small meeting spaces, computer bars, dining facilities, a coffee shop, a Spirit ...[more]