Heightened Design for
Higher Learning
Designing campuses that inspire connection and discovery.
The project consists of a three story, approximately 48,000 s.f., building located on the corner of University and East Streets in Bloomington, Illinois and will house a highly-flexible multi-purpose space that allows for the design thinking process and creation to occur.
Since the classes, labs, and greenhouse spaces were scattered throughout the campus, there were no central offices, classrooms designed for other disciplines, or collaborative spaces for students. This made sharing ideas, materials, and information difficult.
The Music Education, Performance departments and Art History department at Augustana College had grown beyond the confines of their current spaces.
To attract and keep students, while also inspiring them to be leaders in technology-focused fields, Illinois College had to prioritize collaborative spaces and resources. Crispin Hall now connects students and faculty with the tools and technology they need to prosper now and in the future.
Several of Richland Community College’s high-performing programs were in need of renovated spaces to refocus the emphasis of learning to a student-centered model.
The new, 60,300-square-foot dedicated Center for Theatre and Dance brings students, staff, and faculty together, with performance and learning opportunities around every corner—and features rarely seen in campus theatre spaces.
As the Richland Community College student body grew, so did the college’s need for services to support the varying stages of enrollment, student success and records.
Four stories tall and circular, the new 22,000 sf addition houses classrooms, offices and labs in science-related fields, including environmental studies, physics and neuroscience.
The Advanced Technology Education Center at Kankakee Community College provides advanced training in emerging energy technologies and industries.
The Burrill Hall project included the renovation of an existing library/learning center and library stacks to create a central area for the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
Named in honor of Illinois College alumnus Charlie Bellatti ‘49, the Bellatti Fitness Center was upgraded with the entire campus community in mind.
The Student Center is a student services and amenities building at the center of four existing classroom buildings on the Illinois Central College Peoria Campus in Peoria, IL.
Utilizing input from students, faculty and the community, the new Carroll Center for Innovative learning was developed as a 21st century learning environment. The re-invented area includes formal and informal educational spaces that were right sized to support varied class sizes.
After three decades without a home for the women's softball program, Millikin University's dreams became a reality through a generous donation. The new Workman Family Softball Field is a monument to Millikin's strong heritage and the bright future of a growing program.
The first floor of Hovey Hall, an existing administrative building on the campus of Illinois State University, was remodeled to serve as the new home of the Financial Aid Department.
To bring visual awareness and access to Student Services, an addition was created bringing life to an underused facility, connecting it through the library, and allowing the space to become a resource for more students.
The unique shape of these mid-century marvels makes them signature buildings on the NIU campus, but the dated interiors scared off students. A complete remodel helped breathe new life into the 13-story building, while still honoring the character.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Main is not only an icon on Augustana College’s Rock Island campus, but it's also home to Liberal Arts department, classrooms, and office spaces.
BLDD served as Architect of Record for the University of Illinois' first newly constructed residence hall in approximately 30 years.
The University of Illinois Alumni Association selected BLDD to design a new alumni center for the Urbana-Champaign campus. Public areas include a reception gallery, library, lounge and great room, student areas, and banquet facilities for up to 224 guests.