Virginia State University (VSU) set out to replace two aging facilities with a 175,000-square-foot (16,258-square-metre) academic commons that combines the Colleges of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education. The University also needed space for specialized programs including health, physical education and recreation, ROTC, media production, and performing arts while showcasing interdisciplinary learning with new active learning classrooms. They selected our team to provide architecture, interior design, programming, and planning services for this project.
Embracing the physicality of the program, VSU’s President wanted the building to promote a confident, positive statement about the University’s future. Our design for the building steps away from the traditional character of the campus’ original buildings and provides a future-forward image with a sweeping curved form that encircles the “Fountain of Knowledge.” This new campus landmark celebrates the vision of Alfred W. Harris in founding VSU as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia: “I want a place where all may go and drink from the fountain of knowledge.”
Harris’s vision is at the core of the concept and architectural aspirations for the academic commons. Working closely with VSU, we developed a building organized around connection, flexibility, and placemaking. A central campus pedestrian route links spaces, strengthening connections to the surrounding campus. Flexible classrooms and faculty offices join a pool, a gymnasium, a black box theater, broadcast and recording studios, and student-centered social spaces. These are arranged to encourage interaction, mentorship, and learning beyond the classroom.
This bold new academic hub brings diverse programs together, fostering collaboration and supporting student success in a highly visible location at the heart of VSU’s campus.
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