In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, creating cutting-edge environments is paramount to the success of higher education institutions. At Wold, we understand the critical role that physical spaces play in shaping students’ educational experience and future preparedness. We partner with colleges and universities to design innovative and purposeful environments that inspire learning, foster collaboration and support the diverse needs of students and faculty throughout the communities we serve.
Our interactive design process encourages participation between students, staff and community members. By working closely with stakeholders and leveraging our education design expertise, we create dynamic environments that fit the needs of the unique institutions that engage our team. From buildings dedicated to specialized courses of study to expansions and renovations of state-of-the-art athletic facilities, our team knows what it takes to incorporate enduring and sustainable design practices into the spaces we create that not only meet the needs of today's learners but also anticipate the needs of future generations.
We recently sat down with Hays Layerd, principal, and Jacob Cherry, associate, from our Tennessee education team to talk about how Wold helps colleges and universities imagine learning environments that support their students’ dreams and provide spaces where they can pursue limitless possibilities:
Higher education design is unique due to the complex, multifaceted environments within each campus. These spaces are more than just a collection of buildings—they are vibrant, mixed-use ecosystems that blend academic programs, student services, civic spaces, entertainment venues, retail, dining, public safety, athletic facilities and a robust infrastructure network. Each campus is shaped by its geographic and cultural context—whether urban, suburban or rural—affecting key factors like access, mobility, walkability and land-use planning. The university's identity is at the heart of this design, rooted in its history, traditions and culture, which significantly informs its architectural expression. This identity influences everything from the layout and design of spaces to signage, wayfinding and the aesthetics of building facades, culminating in a campus environment that reflects the institution’s values and legacy.
A significant challenge in higher education design lies in balancing various departments' diverse needs and ambitions. Each department competes for limited resources—whether it be land, funding or facilities—while recognizing the necessity of collaboration to fulfill the university’s overarching mission. Striking a balance between functionality and fostering a sense of unity across the campus requires meticulous planning, collaboration and a deep understanding of institutional goals. This intricate landscape makes higher education design a complex and collaborative endeavor. Architects, planners and engineers, in partnership with campus leadership and stakeholders, must navigate the challenges of preserving historical significance while addressing contemporary needs, ultimately creating a cohesive ecosystem that supports the academic mission and enhances the student experience for both present and future generations.
Every exceptional campus tells a compelling story, which is crucial in attracting and retaining students, faculty, donors and key stakeholders. Rather than adhering to a specific aesthetic that can lead to generic or trendy designs, successful campus design revolves around a cohesive language that reflects both the building’s function and its context while considering the broader campus culture and environmental factors. This design language stems from the building’s purpose and surroundings, ensuring that the aesthetics are not only visually engaging but also meaningful and enduring.
At Wold, we believe that while a building must be functional and inherently achieve design excellence, it should also convey a deeper narrative. This narrative is expressed through every aspect of the design—the building envelope, interiors, fenestration, shade structures and points of entry—all working in unison to tell a comprehensive story. By emphasizing how each design element contributes to this broader narrative, we ensure that the building is not just functional and attractive but also resonates with users and stands the test of time.
Recent trends in higher education design emphasize flexibility and collaboration alongside wellness, sustainability and technology to create spaces that enhance both learning and social experiences. Flexibility and collaboration are increasingly interconnected, enabling spaces to adapt to a variety of needs—whether students are working individually, collaborating in small groups or engaging in larger discussions. These adaptable environments are not only practical but also foster a sense of community by encouraging spontaneous interactions and teamwork. Designers achieve flexibility through features like movable furniture, reconfigurable layouts and integrated technology, making it easy to shift between different uses throughout the day. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in collaborative settings where students gather for group work, project-based learning or casual discussions, as it supports dynamic learning and fosters active, creative engagement.
Additionally, the relationship between flexibility and collaboration should extend beyond academic buildings. Student-centered spaces like unions, dining halls, retail areas and outdoor environments should also accommodate a mix of social and educational activities, both planned and impromptu. These areas encourage students to move naturally between studying, socializing and relaxing, creating a more holistic campus experience.
Sustainable strategies should focus on maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing user comfort. One of the most effective methods is ensuring that buildings are fully utilized and adaptable for multiple purposes to reduce resource consumption and encourage long-term use. Buildings should be designed to support diverse programming, limiting the need for single-use structures unless they serve specific institutional goals.
To reduce energy consumption, passive strategies like daylighting and acoustic design can optimize natural resources, while active systems incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal and campus-wide energy-sharing systems. Thermal comfort and performance should be considered with high insulation materials and well-sealed envelopes to control heating and cooling needs. Material selection is another critical factor, with a focus on low-carbon footprint materials, recycled or recyclable options and products with environmental certifications. Together, these strategies create buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also promote a healthier, more sustainable campus environment.
Higher education facilities can play a pivotal role in supporting the mental health of students and faculty. By creating environments that foster connection, comfort and well-being, users are more equipped to succeed. Natural materials, access to ample daylight and calming color schemes can create soothing spaces that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Student lounges and informal gathering areas with soft seating and inviting surroundings offer spaces for reflection and social interaction, essential for combating the feelings of isolation that some students may experience. A variety of flexible spaces, including areas designed for both in-person and remote learning, support different learning styles and create opportunities for intimacy and focused work while also accommodating diverse social and academic needs.
Additionally, providing designated spaces for meditation or quiet reflection helps create inclusive environments that prioritize mental health. When designed thoughtfully, these spaces contribute to a sense of community, reduce stress and encourage meaningful social interaction, helping to make students feel safe and supported while promoting overall well-being.
