NOVA Woodbridge Hybrid Academic Building

In the new Academic Building at NOVA Woodbridge Campus, diverse influences have been leveraged in one design to promote social, professional and academic interchange among colleagues, between disciplines and with the community at large.  These qualities are especially relevant as education and research occur beyond the classroom and across traditional academic boundaries.

 

As new paradigms for learning and teaching take hold in higher education, architecture has a great role to play to catalyze and support new trends in pedagogy - and shepherd in new advances for learning.  Community colleges have long been innovators responding to change in the needs of their communities and students with “hybrid” programs and facilities that have relevance across the collegiate landscape:

• Multi-disciplinary buildings that house a complex mix of uses

• Shared spaces among departments

• Sustainable design/environmental stewardship

• Flexible learning environments ready for change

• Spaces for informal learning and public engagement

• Ubiquitous digital connectivity + technology delivered content

This facility combines many functions including classrooms, science labs, computer labs, fine arts, theater, a library, and dining.  It is also tracking LEED Silver Certification through sustainable design features such as geothermal heating/cooling, green roofs, rainwater cisterns, energy efficient equipment and fixtures, and recycled and regional materials.