VMDO worked closely with brightspot strategy, a Buro Happold Company, to address the many needs expressed by the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences space planners. A principal goal of the study was to analyze the location, allocation, configuration, and use of space to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and student experience. The study was also charged to be forward thinking and account for adaptable learning, research, work, and student life environments.

The space study included findings, recommendations, and estimated costs and the development process focused on about 50 core buildings and engaged about 60 academic/admin units (individually and in groups). These findings are built upon known This project assessed current spaces, created the future vision, conducted a current/future gap analysis, and created a playbook of future opportunities for physical, programmatic, and operational changes considering the College of Arts and Sciences academic and administrative spaces – quantifying surpluses and deficits, providing a rationale for location on and off-grounds, and preliminary costs associated with recommendations such as to renovate, relocate, or expand. Rather than a prescriptive plan, this is a flexible playbook with prioritized projects that the College can implement as funding/opportunities arise. This comprehensive study will serve as a guide for developing academic space on Grounds for years to come.