press release
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

VMDO Architects Wins National AIA-CAE Award

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) recognizes VMDO Architects for its design of the new student center at Averett University

April 14, 2008

Washington, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) honored 11 educational and cultural facilities with this year’s CAE Educational Facility Design Awards. Two received Awards of Excellence, four received Awards of Merit, and five received Citations. The purpose of the design awards program is to identify trends and emerging ideas, honor excellence in planning and design, and disseminate knowledge about best practices in educational and community facilities.

VMDO Architects was proud to accept a Merit Award for the firm's design of the new student center at Averett University in Danville, Virginia.

As Averett transitioned in 2001 from a regional college to a “campus community,” it needed to become a place that would bolster enrollment and draw students with a welcoming place that would encourage them to stay, gather together, and share experiences. For instance, the dining hall and café can transform into student lounges, a small ballroom, or a campus event space. The activities level is designed with open workstations and shared storage both to provide flexibility and build synergy among student leaders. While using common, cost-effective building systems, the student center employs sturdy and enduring natural materials to minimize maintenance, but also give a sense of permanence.

For the full article and complete listing of winners, click here.

VMDO Architects was founded in 1976 and is the youngest firm to receive the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Virginia Society of American Institute of Architects.

For further information, interview, and photography opportunities in reference to this project and VMDO Architects, please contact William Bishop at 434.296.5684, email at bishop@vmdo.com.