University real estate investment post Covid-19
The Class of 2020 return to the University of Virginia Jefferson Rotunda - which will re-open for classes in September (Photo by Dan Addison / University Communications)
Data collection has been at the heart of the fight against Covid-19 and Future Cities Forum will be discussing the value of data systems, their use and application at our autumn 'Science Cities' forum. We will also be discussing the expanding investment in university science and R&D buildings,while publishing a report on which built environment professionals are winning commissions in this area.
With regard to the above, it is interesting that Hopkins Architects has been selected to design a new School of Data Science for the University of Virginia. The new building will respond to the architectural calibre of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the University to create an innovative new pedagogic environment for the growing needs of the School. It is sited in a landmark position as a gateway to the University's expansion on the Emmet-Ivy Corridor, linking the historic Grounds to an exciting new chapter in its development.
It has been made possible in part by the largest private gift in the institution's 200-year history and will position the University as a global leader in the efforts to improve society through teaching and research based on the powerful, emerging field of data science. Its ambition is to become a new model for how a school will function within a higher education institution, envisioned as a 'school without walls'.
Hopkins is a leader in educational building design having also been selected to deliver Oxford University's new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Planning permission has additionally now been granted for Project North Park at the University of Exeter where the Hopkins' design will deliver a world class research and teaching facility that will develop and enrich understanding of 21st century global challenges. Project North Park is one of the largest investments made by the Russell Group university over the last 10 years.