The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis - Replacement Campus
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
The project includes replacing an existing 115,000 SF multi-story building with 85,000 SF of new construction and renovating two existing buildings. The project scope also includes site development, parking areas, drives, and infrastructure improvements. The final phase includes the demolition of vacated buildings and utilities, the new façade of the Education Building, and the adaptation of space for parking, sidewalks, and campus green space.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
The institution has a vision of providing exceptional technical training to develop a world-class workforce. Specifically designed to breathe new life into the campus, the design will embody the urban fabric of Memphis and create hands-on learning, and real-world scenarios for students to interact within new 21st-century teaching and collaboration spaces. The design focused on creating a new gateway and beacon to enhance the campus's branding identity within the community. Additionally, study life will be enhanced on campus through dedicated plazas, landscape, accessible pathways, and outdoor learning environments. The design aesthetic successfully incorporates the Memphis rich, red-mud brick, celebrating the urban fabric and connecting to the existing campus language, while looking toward the future. The design effectively enhances daylight and offers views of downtown and the Mississippi River, which increases the sense of community, connectivity and safety on campus.
The interior design of the facility embodies the concept of Connections, drawing inspiration from the various modes of transportation across the Mississippi River, including boat, rail, and automobile traffic. The design language thoughtfully incorporates patterns and materials reminiscent of the iconic bridges of Memphis, creating a cohesive and visually engaging environment. The module design of the classrooms, hands-on laboratories, offices, and support spaces demonstrates a strong foundation for future flexibility and adaptability throughout the building's lifespan. The design effectively aimed to enhance student collaboration on campus by introducing multiple study and social lounges, a roof terrace, and a shared makerspace. Learning on Display is captured through celebrated entry portals and interior glazing; encouraging students across all disciplines to share in each other’s success.
High performance design strategies include controlled daylight, glare, and heat gain through horizontal fins, deep punched windows and large overhanging brow to the south and west. Additional daylight is borrowed from the north facade through the open circulation and collaboration spaces.
The project faced significant challenges, including managing major site utilities, navigating complex phasing to maintain current teaching programs, and working within a limited site area between the existing tower footprint and roadway.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Design for Equitable Communities: The design of the facility is committed to ensuring that the programs and services are economical and accessible to all residents of Tennessee. Creating industry partner spaces within the facility focuses on building relationships of trust with community, business, and industry leaders to supply highly skilled workers in areas of need. The mission of the facility is to offer quality, professional, and technical education that meets the training needs of citizens and residents, including employees of existing and prospective businesses and industries in the region and state.
Design for Well-Being: The use of biophilic design principles, such as patterning and warm, natural materials, effectively brings a sense of nature and calm to the interior. Additionally, acoustical mitigation and natural daylight significantly enhance the overall well-being of the occupants. A variety of study and collaboration lounge scale, furniture types and AV/IT offer agency for each student’s success.
Design for Change: The module design of the classrooms, hands-on laboratories, offices, and support spaces establishes a robust foundation for future flexibility and adaptability throughout the building's lifespan. The overhead mechanical and electrical services on an 11'-0" grid ensure a clear floor area that can be reconfigured as needed. Additionally, the tall 16'-0" floor-to-floor clear spans maximize the adaptability of building systems.
LEED/Green Certifications
Pursuing LEED
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