SHW GROUP
TO DESIGN FACILITY FOR MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI
SHW Group will design and engineer the first American
university campus in the Dubai International Academic City
DALLAS, February 1, 2008
– SHW Group has been selected to design and engineer a new
32,000-square-foot education facility for Michigan State University
(MSU) in Dubai, making it the first American university to have a
presence in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
The DIAC, often called “the world’s only free zone
dedicated to international higher education,” was established in
2006 to address the enormous demands for higher education in a
nation noted for its growing positive regional and world influence.
Located about 20 minutes from the Dubai business district, the DIAC
spans 25 million square feet and is dedicated solely to universities
and colleges. Eight million square feet has been dedicated to the
international higher education zone, while three million square feet
will be allocated for research and development centers.
SHW Group’s project will include MSU’s Construction
Management, Family and Community Services, Communication Arts and
Computer Engineering programs. SHW designers are taking two floors
of shell space in a new building through programming, conceptual
design, schematic design and design development, which includes
mechanical, electrical and architectural development.
“The concept is predicated on the diverse cultures
coming together and interacting in an MSU environment,” said
Marjorie Simmons, managing principal of SHW Group. “At the center of
the space is the “origin” – an interactive space where students from
the various programs can collaborate, share learning experiences and
develop relationships. With this interaction, a social energy is
created which ripples throughout the surrounding learning
environments, further reinforcing the discovery of the students who
will be attending the four programs that the university has to
offer.”
Through the use of materials and a dynamic “building
language,” the concept will enhance the learning experience through
interaction and culture exchange. These ideals align with MSU’s
goals to increase student attraction and student retention and SHW’s
goal of going beyond the basic needs and creating an enhanced
educational experience for all who will attend the university.
About SHW
Group
Specializing in both K-12 and higher educational projects,
Plano-based SHW Group is one of the nation’s top educational
architecture and design firms. Founded in 1945, SHW Group has grown
to have more than 350 employees and seven studios nationwide, with
projects in 23 states and four countries. For more information,
please visit
www.shwgroup.com.
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