Design firm Brooks + Scarpa recently broke ground on a new addition to the University of Florida’s School of Design, Construction, and Planning (DCP). The $32 million Bruno E. and Maritza F. Ramos Collaboratory Building will add almost 50,000 square feet to the existing DCP building, which also will be renovated.
“This innovative facility is critical to the future of DCP and will strengthen collaborative working across all the built environment disciplines in the College,” Chimay Anumba, DCP dean, said in a statement.
The design aims to encourage the free exchange of ideas among faculty and students as they “undertake high-impact research that shapes the world we live in by addressing critical societal challenges,” according to the statement. Based in Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Brooks + Scarpa received the 2022 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal.
The new Collaboratory building will include reconfigurable, multifunctional spaces and research hubs to promote collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. A digital modeling and fabrication space will allow large groups of students to work together on digital models, simulations, and 3D printing in purpose-designed facilities.
The building also will include large-scale facilities for geospatial modeling and simulation, as well as a virtual reality lab. In addition to seminar rooms, a multipurpose hall will accommodate lecture audiences of 150 to 200.
Skylights will provide daylight to the ground level throughout the building, and photovoltaics will provide energy for the building services.
The building is expected to be completed in early 2025.
On the Building Team:
Owner: University of Florida
Design architect: Brooks + Scarpa
Associate architect: KMF
MEP/structural engineers: TLC
Landscaping: Brooks + Scarpa with CHG
General contractor: Stellar
![University of Florida ext 2](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20ext%202.jpeg)
![University of Florida ext 3](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20ext%203.jpeg)
![University of Florida ext 4](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20Building%20ext%204.jpeg)
![University of Florida Building int](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20Building%20int.jpeg)
![University of Florida Building int 2](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20Building%20int%202.jpeg)
![University of Florida Building int 3](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Florida%20Building%20int%203.jpeg)
Related Stories
University Buildings | Aug 27, 2020
Eight strategies for achieving successful P3 development models
Transparency and communication are imperative, says new white paper on these agreements.
University Buildings | Aug 20, 2020
Student housing in the COVID-19 era
Student housing remains a vital part of the student and campus experience.
University Buildings | Aug 12, 2020
The University of Toronto’s new learning and support hub is a ‘learning landscape’
ZAS Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Aug 11, 2020
UC Davis’s new dining commons is a nod to the region’s agricultural roots
HED designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 5, 2020
Oklahoma State University’s North Academic Building begins construction
Dewberry designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 3, 2020
5 reasons universities are renovating student housing
Clark Nexsen’s Student Life practice leader, Peter Aranyi, discusses the benefits of renovation and why it offers particular value to campuses nationwide.
University Buildings | Aug 2, 2020
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 Weekly”
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Laboratories | Jul 24, 2020
Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge
CO Architects is among a handful of firms that caters to this trend.
University Buildings | Jul 23, 2020
Two eight-story residential towers and a dining commons complete on Cal Poly Pomona’s campus
HMC Architects designed the project.