This summer, a number of construction projects were completed at Elon University. From the installation of new outdoor classrooms to the renovation of Carolina Hall, campus underwent major renovations before the start of the 2022-23 academic year.
University architect Brad Moore said the planning, design and construction management team takes advantage of the time during the summer to start and complete new construction projects.
“The summer is our very busiest months on campus because when the students aren't here, that's our time to get in and either start or finish new projects,” Moore said.
One of the most noticeable changes on campus is the first two buildings of the newly-constructed Innovation Quad. Founders Hall and Innovation Hall are connected and sit between McMichael Science Center and Sankey Hall. The conjoined building is 65,000 square feet and dedicated to the newly-established Department of Engineering as well as the physics department.
Professor of engineering Will Pluer leads environmental research in the department. He said he is excited to have new tools and spaces to assist with the research.
“We have two really great labs for environmental engineering, both with drains in the floor so we can get wet and dirty,” Pluer said. “As well as spaces for students to do research and spaces for seniors to complete their capstone design courses.”
In addition to the classroom and research spaces, students can prototype and build various projects in the advanced design lab on the first floor of Founders Hall. Students are able to test their builds by wheeling them out to Innovation Plaza through the full size garage doors adjacent to the lab.
“Students can be working on projects inside the building and open up the garage doors and wheel their creations out onto this plaza for other majors who are just passing by the building,” Moore said.
Other renovations to campus include expansion of the Francis Center, home to the School of Health Sciences. Carolina, Hook, Barney and Brannock Residence Halls all underwent renovations. Two new outdoor classrooms and various adirondack chairs were installed around campus. There was also a new pedestrian pathway built between Colonnades Neighborhood and Danieley Center.