Everything starts with a store’s product assortment and how the various sizes, shapes, and packaging of products influence the fixtures on which they’re presented. For both department stores and grocery stores, these fixtures have become highly specialized. Grocery: The four basic loose fixture types include cold/frozen cases, produce bins, service cases and the versatile metal […]

As an architect involved in the planning and designing of academic libraries over the past three decades, I recently attended my first ALADN Library conference at Louisville, KY to hear development experts share their unique stories and strategies about generating interest and raising funds specifically for the library. I found this to be an inspiring […]

Academic libraries support the research and educational activities of higher institutions through the sharing of information. However, today’s method of sharing information is constantly evolving. Because of changing technology, academic libraries struggle to meet the needs of their many stakeholders. The challenge they face is finding the balance between housing information while creating spaces conducive […]

Written Erin Poland and Mike Schulte   What type of academic space encourages students from different disciplines to brainstorm, study and innovate in one another’s company? This was the question put to team members who worked on the new Research Commons in the 18th Avenue Library at Ohio State University in Columbus. The goal was […]

Historically, the library has been the central information resource and academic heart for scholarly activity on college campuses. In that capacity, it is considered a valuable academic asset. Yet, due in large part to the digital revolution, the library’s role has shifted to accommodate the needs of today’s learners. In the process, some campus libraries […]

To understand further how students are using their libraries, a Cincinnati architecture firm surveyed more than 20 of these higher education facilities. The college library’s exterior might be majestic and ivy covered and appear to be a solemn place where words of wisdom literally are etched in stone. But inside, it’s a different story. Rather […]

Paul Orban, AIA, LEED AP, market leader for the higher education studio at BHDP, examines the purposes and benefits of “creative lab” spaces on college campuses that encourage collaboration across disciplines and lead to the generation of new ideas among faculty and students alike. Increased competition from online colleges is prompting many to question the […]

Although the Great Recession ended several years ago, the mantra of doing more with less remains today. This thought process applies to architecture and facilities maintenance as well, whether a new building or rehabilitation project is under consideration. Both require significant investment and resources. A detailed facility condition assessment (FCA), at the beginning of a […]

In this article for University Business, Paul Orban, market leader for higher ed at BHDP, and Tim Smith, director of experiential branding, share how wayfinding and environmental graphics have become integral parts of an institution’s architectural expression.   The needs of those who work and learn in institutions of higher education require environments that reflect […]