Higher Education
ACHIEVING SUCCESS As a leader in higher education design, GMC strives to deliver creative solutions to the complex challenges of today’s learning environment. Our methodology epitomizes expertise, innovation and passion for design with an unprecedented commitment to exemplary client satisfaction. The GMC Education Group specializes in helping college systems achieve the most productive, yet cost-effective learning environment for educators and students alike. Our team approaches each project individually and believes that architecture should reflect the values and character of the local community.
Three Areas Of Focus 1. A CADEMICS 2. S TUDENT LIFE 3. ATHLETICS
Cover: University of South Carolina Student Health Center | Columbia, SC Right: Fraternity Quad Renovation at Clemson University | Clemson, SC
DESIGN APPROACH College campuses have evolved into more than a workplace for teachers or a second home for students. They are designed to foster an atmosphere that presents opportunities to learn everywhere, whether in a formal classroom setting or through interaction outside of these traditional spaces. As designers with experience and passion for higher education, our objective is to create flexible, adaptable and safe, 21st-century learning environments that inspire students and teachers alike.
Left: College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL Right: Master Plan for University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL
We strive to understand the unique needs of each institution and pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of service. Our guiding principle is simple: Education is the driver of design.
Right: University of Louisiana Monroe Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | Monroe, LA
Left: Clemson University Harris A. Smith Packaging Science Building is the first LEED Gold facility on campus | Clemson, SC Right: Pharmacy Research Building at Auburn University | Auburn, AL
FOCUS ON THE SCHOOL Each design assignment is distinct. We aim to translate desires into reality. Together we think outside the box to develop a unique design solution and create a meaningful architecture of buildings and the spaces between. The design can only benefit from creative input, inspiration and enthusiasm. Throughout the project, GMC’s team partners with the university to collectively achieve the vision.
Left: Newman Center Student Housing Phase I at University of South Florida | Tampa, FL Above: South Donahue Residence Hall at Auburn University | Auburn, AL
Over the past decade, we have created living spaces for thousands of students at universities and colleges across the Southeast.
Right: Residence Hall and Promenade at The University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL
COMMUNITY OF LEARNING As we delve further into the 21st century, many traditional design elements of educational facilities are single-purpose. Our methodology utilizes design best practices promoting integrated philosophy and the use of buildings to foster community. This “community of learning” approach is the way of the future and incorporates several key components that contribute to its success: 1. C REATING EDUCATION FACILITIES THAT FUNCTION AS NEIGHBORHO OD COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS 2. P ROVIDING FLEXIBLE ACADEMIC SPACES THAT SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES 3. L EARNING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE/INCORPORATION OF OUTD O OR LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 4. T ECHNOLO GY THAT IS PERVASIVE THROUGHOUT THE ACADEMIC CAMPUS 5. INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ELEMENTS
Left: Wellness Center at Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL
COMMUNITY COLLEGES The rising trend of collaboration among educational institutions and industries has led to increased demand for programs that allow students to specialize in certain fields and hone in on technical skills to meet workforce needs. Our firm has worked with numerous community and technical colleges and universities to develop facilities tailored to these specific areas, including training and education in robotics equipment, manufacturing processes, automotive industry, healthcare and skilled trades such as welding, electrical technology, drafting and design.
Left: Robotics Maintenance Training Center at Robotics Technology Park | Tanner, AL Right: Wallace Community College Consolidated Health Science Building | Dothan, AL
BUILDING COMMUNITIES We believe in community, collaboration, using the power of creativity, and hard work to make a difference - in our hearts, homes, city, nation and world. We believe in hope, progress, beauty, and big ideas. We believe that people like us, need us. We are not just an engineering firm. We are not just architects. We are artists, designers, thinkers, doers, makers, and storytellers dedicated to doing great work, for good.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the
OFFICE LOCATIONS
region’s largest privately-held architecture
Alabama Andalusia Auburn Birmingham Daphne Eufaula Huntsville Mobile Montgomery Vernon
and engineering firms, with more than 450+ employees located in offices throughout the Southeast and projects spanning nationwide.
Florida Pensacola Sarasota Tampa
Georgia Atlanta Augusta Brunswick Savannah Louisiana New Orleans North Carolina Charlotte South Carolina Columbia Greenville Charleston Tennessee Franklin Nashville
W W W, G M C N E T W O R K . C O M