University Buildings

Not only are the world’s youth educated in these buildings, but much of the globe’s most ground-breaking research takes place here. Requirements for housing students are more expansive than ever, but need to be balanced with the university’s real purpose: the pursuit of knowledge. Great design can inspire that pursuit.

All renderings courtesy ZAS Architects

August 12, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

The University of Toronto’s new learning and support hub is a ‘learning landscape’

ZAS Architects designed the building.

All photos: Kyle Jeffers

August 11, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

UC Davis’s new dining commons is a nod to the region’s agricultural roots

HED designed the project.

North Hall will include a bridge to the existing building, and a future link across all buildings for a second floor internal walking path.

August 05, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Oklahoma State University’s North Academic Building begins construction

Dewberry designed the project.

A community space in Clark Nexsen’s renovations to Edens Quad Residence Hall at Duke University.

August 03, 2020 | Peter Aranyi

5 reasons universities are renovating student housing

Clark Nexsen’s Student Life practice leader, Peter Aranyi, discusses the benefits of renovation...

August 02, 2020 | BD+C Editors

R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”

R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The We...

A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education - university architecture

Arup and Suffolk Construction are part of the Building Team for Northeastern University’s Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering complex, whose second phase is currently in the works. A new pedestrian bridge spanning five subway and rail lines provides a key link to the campus. Photo: Evan Patten

July 24, 2020 | By John Caulfield, Senior Editor

A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education

Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.

CO Architects worked with Frederic Zernhausern, a professor at the University of Arizona, to fit out a half-floor of a building on campus. Custom labs designed to the specifications of star researchers help research universities attract and retain valued talent. Image: Bill Timmerman

July 24, 2020 | John Caulfield, Senior Editor

Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge

CO Architects is among a handful of firms that caters to this trend.

Cal Poyl Pomona residence halls and dining hal

Photo: Lawrence Anderson

July 23, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Two eight-story residential towers and a dining commons complete on Cal Poly Pomona’s campus

HMC Architects designed the project.

All renderings courtesy ZGF Architects

July 15, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

New Cal Poly Research and Innovation Center includes features for a COVID-19 world

ZGF Architects is designing the building.

Courtesy Cornell College

July 14, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Cornell College partners with Johnson Controls to improve campus energy efficiency

The plan will reduce the college’s energy usage by 20%.

Barnes Hall of Science at Franklin College

The Barnes Hall of Science at Franklin College, Franklin, Ind., underwent a complete renovation with a new wing.

June 03, 2020 | DAVID MILLER, ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP

Renovation can turn older university buildings into high-performing labs

David Miller of BSALifeStructures offers technical advice on renovation of college and universi...

June 02, 2020 | Matt Pearson

COVID-19 and teaching the next generation of nurses

COVID-19 hasn’t just upended healthcare delivery, the workplace, and all levels of education –...

All photos courtesy JCJ Architecture

May 20, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

JCJ Architecture, Moody Nolan complete UCONN's Student Recreation Center

The project sits at the center of the Storrs campus.

All photos: Jonathan Hillyer

May 19, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Clemson's new Outdoor Education Center uses a Mass Timber Structural System

Cooper Carry designed the project.

All photos courtesy Hastings+Chivetta

April 29, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Dixie State University's new Human Performance Center

Hastings+Chivetta designed the project.

COVID-19 patient rooms in alternate care facility

Typical COVID-19 patient room layout in an alternate care facility. Photo: Henderson Engineers

April 10, 2020 | JAKE KATZENBERGER, MARK CHRISMAN, AND RUSS MURDOCK, HENDERSON ENGINEERS

COVID-19: Converting existing hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other alternate care sites for coronavirus patients

COVID-19: Converting existing unused or underused hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and ot...

Study Areas at the Trone Student Center, Furman University

April 09, 2020 | Doug Campbell, AIA, LEED AP, Ghafari Director of Education

Designing for the next generation of student life: Academically aligned

Since many academic departments have been concentrated in their own buildings or portions of ca...

Courtesy Pixabay

March 26, 2020 | Bryan Langlands, Principal, NBBJ

How to convert college dorms to support the coronavirus crisis

While student dormitories are well-suited to certain alternate healthcare uses — from housing c...

Courtesy Ponce Health Sciences University

March 24, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Ponce Health Sciences University to build a medical school in North St. Louis

Clayco will build the project.

The company, based in Commerce, Calif., makes a wide range of plumbing fixtures and accessories for the commercial and multifamily building sectors.

March 13, 2020 |

Pioneer Industries launches new website

Cornell University rowing has been transformed into a waterfront campus destination. Photo courtesy HGA

Cornell University rowing has been transformed into a waterfront campus destination. Photo courtesy HGA

March 09, 2020 | D'Andre Willis, AIA, Principal, VP, HGA Architects and Engineers

Designing campus buildings through an equity lens

As colleges become more diverse, campus conversation is focusing on how to create equitable env...

Auburn University, Robins & Morton open Construction Field Laboratory

Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory at Auburn University. Photo courtesy Robins & Morton

March 09, 2020 |

Auburn University, Robins & Morton open Construction Field Laboratory

Robins & Morton and Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (C...

Courtesy Stantec

February 20, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Kettering University’s new Learning Commons includes a student entrepreneur lab

Stantec designed the project.

Courtesy UC Berkeley

February 18, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

UC Berkeley’s Enclave Apartments features a unique Moorish Castle design

Kirk E Peterson & Associates designed the project.

All renderings courtesy HENN

February 10, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

Sino-French Aviation University breaks ground in Hangzhou

HENN designed the project.

Exterior St. Edward's Recreation center at dusk

Credit Andrea Calo.

January 27, 2020 | David Malone, Associate Editor

St. Edward’s University reveals new Recreation and Athletic Center

Specht Architects designed the building.

From TikTok videos to rapid prototyping, Gen Z learns by doing. Photo courtesy GBBN

January 06, 2020 | Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Associate Principal

Making it: Gen Z learns by doing

This fundamental shift in learning style will have an impact on higher-education space planning....

A rendering of the L-shaped Plant Sciences Building, part of a research and education master plan at Washington State University. Images: Courtesy of LMN Architects

December 17, 2019 | John Caulfield, Senior Editor

Two LMN Architects-designed academic science buildings move forward for completion next year

These facilities will bring several disciplines under one roof.