Staying relevant in the competitive post-secondary education market means staying current. Needs change, programs evolve, and new technology must be incorporated. Being able to easily update your space has a direct impact on enrollment.
Location
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
SQ FT
45,000
DIRTT Construction Partner
BUILT INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
Architect
BLDD ARCHITECTS INC.
Designer
BLDD ARCHITECTS INC.
General Contractor
JOHNCO CONSTRUCTION
The Challenge
Richland Community College needed to update their old science labs. By building new lab space and then overhauling the old science department into new active-learning classrooms, they could improve student engagement across campus . This ambitious transformation had to be done on a tight timeline, in two stages, and with minimum disruption to students and faculty in nearby learning spaces.
A place that students want to use
IMAGE CREDIT: Conor Steinkamp
Our Solution
Richland knew from our work on the Carroll Center for Learning that DIRTT precision manufactures our components off-site in efficient factories . Using our proprietary design integration software meant that we could build their interiors even while they were still doing site prep on phase one of the project.
Once the demo work was done, DIRTT’s wall assemblies easily tipped up into place for a quick and easy install. The same was true for the second phase where our modular approach shortened timelines, reduced noise and dust, and delivered cost certainty.
The Impact
Thanks to DIRTT, phase one of construction only took nine months and Richland only lost one semester of instructional time during phase two. Our multi-trade, prefabricated approach meant they got more than just drywall. Our walls were loaded with quick-connect electrical, integrated technology, and writable surfaces. These are durable, and more importantly functional, spaces that have become popular with both students and faculty. In fact, Richland had to create a waiting list for instructors who wanted to use the new spaces.
Read more about the project here.
The thing we realized over the three years since we had the first project in, is the durability of the walls... (DIRTT) helps to keep that fresh new look much, much longer.
Greg Florian
Vice President for Finance and Administration, Richland Community College
Project Includes:
Contact form
Ready to get started?
Connect with a DIRTT specialist to bring your next project to life.