The Student Union, a vibrant hub of the North Campus, is preparing to get its first major renovation in more than 30 years.

The Student Union, a vibrant hub of the North Campus, is preparing to get its first major renovation in more than 30 years.

The sun is the most efficient source of energy available for human consumption. Photovoltaic systems, commonly known as solar arrays, give us the ability to actively integrate this abundant energy with the function and design of a building.

In architectural theory and design practice, buildings are treated as static objects. A design may propose spaces, finishes, and adjacencies that respond to one potential path for a building's use.

It is a term that all have heard but few really understand. We see the term in the news, many learn about it in school, and some interact with it from time to time in daily life. So what is sustainable design?

We strive to design for all at every level of the built environment. We are looking beyond Gender Neutral design to Universally designed bathrooms, or comfort stations - conceived to be accessible to all people, regardless of gender expression, age, ability, belief, and social structure.

The world’s climate is changing at an accelerated rate due to human activity; sustainability is no longer optional.

Simplicity in design does not exclude deep thought and strategic planning – modular design is a manifestation of this idea and is a level of design thinking that can be utilized at any scale.

We know that a learning experience has as much to do with our environment as it does the teachers and students that create those experiences. After the past year, we have all gained a profound appreciation of how important these are to foster development and ignite a love for learning.

There is no placemaking without people. As we move together toward a post-covid era, what new factors will impact our sense of place? The tools of placemaking were important before, and now they are crucial to how we experience our environment.