Business and industry workforce needs continue to evolve rapidly and the technical education delivery system requires facilities that enhance flexibility and integrate new technologies. At Florence Darlington Technical College, a new Academic Master Plan, performed by a collaboration of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and JMZ Architects, articulates a carefully crafted path forward.
In the 12-month planning process, the team gathered input from community and industry leaders, faculty, staff and students to identify the College’s strengths and weaknesses. The team surveyed existing buildings to assess their physical condition and evaluated campus grounds and infrastructure. An exhaustive analysis of local demographics, enrollment trends, classroom utilization and academic space needs provided objective data to serve as the starting point for academic planning.
The resulting Master Plan reconfigures site circulation with automobiles and associated parking moved to the periphery of campus. A new greenway will serve as a pedestrian circulation spine and links campus buildings. The plan envisions a new, signature building at the front of campus to house Student Services, the Library and new Classrooms.
The Academic Master Planning process has enabled Florence-Darlington Technical College to assess its effectiveness in managing physical resources while addressing educational needs in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Furthermore, the Plan has aligned the goals of stakeholders and created a unified vision for the physical campus and the College’s vitally important educational mission.
If you are interested in how Academic Master Planning can provide direction for your campus, contact Managing Principal, Brad Smith, today.
