The Collaboratory Building will expand the University of Florida’s School of Design, Construction, and Planning

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