Creating a Vibrant Tech Ecosystem to Fuel the Next Generation of Learning

An energetic tech hub inspires ingenuity in education

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives. Yet, educators have yet to unlock tech's full potential in learning. At the University of Florida (UF), the Institute for Advanced Learning Technologies (IALT) is working to change that. There, faculty and students are using instructional technologies and research to create better learning and teaching outcomes.

Since its founding in 2020, IALT has occupied the ground floor of the Education Library at UF's Norman Hall. Largely unchanged since the building opened in 1979, the ground floor is partially underground, creating a basement-like feel. Described as "ratty" and garnering weekly complaints, the old space was badly in need of an overhaul. Seeking an environment that fostered research, creativity, and collaboration, IALT asked us to reimagine the space.

Transforming a decades-old design into a conduit for
the future

The remodel presented a number of challenges that made this a unique and compelling project. Not only would we be working with a space that had been designed decades ago, we also needed to construct a bridge to the future. IALT's sophisticated technology required careful planning around specifications including sound attenuation, electromagnetic fields, and accessibility.

As an added twist, the pandemic was wreaking havoc on in-person collaboration, labor schedules, and the supply chain. We would need to conduct the entire design process online with IALT, and revise material choices often to accommodate changing prices and availability.

To start, we focused on active listening, developing a deep understanding of IALT's business goals and the day-to-day experiences they hoped to create. IALT required a primary area to communicate the collaborative nature of their work, and showcase cutting-edge technologies and research. They needed to bring cross-functional teams together in a shared space, and cultivate a sense of neighborhood.

Following an approach grounded in collaboration and agility, we embarked on an iterative design process. IALT leaders were able to explore strategic design decisions at every stage, iterate, and drive a cohesive vision forward. Together, we were able to translate their vision and needs into a successful design solution.

James W. Norman Hall has been known for decades as the nexus of the University of Florida's College of Education. It was designed and built in 1934 as a K-12 school, named for civic leader P.K. Yonge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the building held the potential to be a gem of historic architecture on UF's campus. 

But building modifications over time buried distinctive architectural elements and the accumulation of critical repairs and maintenance seriously strained college resources. By the turn of the 21st century, Norman Hall no longer met the myriad needs of the students, faculty, and administrative staff who are learning, teaching and working throughout the building. 

The Past Informs Present-Day Design

Our design team was charged with rehabilitating historic Norman Hall to support 21st-century learning technologies while preserving the Hall's "collegiate Gothic" character. To give the facility a new life, we took cues from photographs of building interiors from the 1950s. We discovered that the main West entrance had been intended as a gathering place, but offices and storage rooms had encroached upon space and obstructed traffic flow. We began by prioritizing changes that would alter or remove interior structures to let in natural light, facilitate movement and create gathering spaces.

A whole greater than the sum of its parts

As with any remodel, it was important for us to help IALT visualize the new space in a way that took the entire footprint into account. Initially, IALT thought we might need to retain and reuse certain elements to stay within their budget; however, we showed them a path to start fresh and stretch their budget to do more with less.

With a focus on research, cutting-edge tech, and collaboration, we anchored the floor plan around a centralized hub of classrooms and a demonstration lounge. A folding glass wall lets you see through the classrooms to the other side, creating a thoroughfare to more public-facing areas. In areas such as the kitchen, dark, tired spaces have been reinvigorated with design elements that lift the space and push the confines of the existing structure.

"In working with Walker, we were able to come up with a design through an iterative process that made sense for us. One of the things Walker really helped with was trying to visualize the space…that made a huge difference in completely reconceptualizing what was possible."

— Dr. Tom Dana, Director of IALT and Senior Associate Dean at the UF College of Education

Conceptually, the design is consistent with other UF departments, though it feels as if IALT is its own entity doing its own work. UF's traditional palette of orange and blue is complemented by pops of yellow and Anni Albers-inspired textiles.

A sense of excitement and energy permeates the space. You feel as if people are doing exciting things here — it's an exciting place to be. Rather than wanting to escape IALT once the work is done, people are now seeking out opportunities to connect, build relationships, and explore fresh possibilities together.

James W. Norman Hall has been known for decades as the nexus of the University of Florida's College of Education. It was designed and built in 1934 as a K-12 school, named for civic leader P.K. Yonge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the building held the potential to be a gem of historic architecture on UF's campus. 

But building modifications over time buried distinctive architectural elements and the accumulation of critical repairs and maintenance seriously strained college resources. By the turn of the 21st century, Norman Hall no longer met the myriad needs of the students, faculty, and administrative staff who are learning, teaching and working throughout the building. 

The Past Informs Present-Day Design

Our design team was charged with rehabilitating historic Norman Hall to support 21st-century learning technologies while preserving the Hall's "collegiate Gothic" character. To give the facility a new life, we took cues from photographs of building interiors from the 1950s. We discovered that the main West entrance had been intended as a gathering place, but offices and storage rooms had encroached upon space and obstructed traffic flow. We began by prioritizing changes that would alter or remove interior structures to let in natural light, facilitate movement and create gathering spaces.

Happenstances, bold ideas, and elevated outcomes

Open, egalitarian, and inviting, the new space mirrors IALT's goals. Today, IALT hums with game-changing concepts and Conversations. The murmur of collaboration and markers squeaking across white boards speaks to ideas constantly in motion. At IALT, visitors gain a new understanding and appreciation for IALT's work. Technologies such as eye tracking applications and EEG machines are on full display, inviting visitors to experience IALT's work first-hand for themselves.

The renovation has also helped to attract funding and support, while furthering UF's reputation as a global leader. With the new space, IALT was able to demonstrate its capacity for success, and secure a private donation that made it possible to expand a Statewide K12 computer science initiative. Instructors from all corners of the university regularly converge at IALT, devising new ways of teaching that make the university more relevant and competitive. At all levels, IALT has gained new ground in optimizing learning experiences and improving educational outcomes. Very few colleges of education have such a space. At Walker Architects, we're proud to help bring IALT's bold vision to life.

James W. Norman Hall has been known for decades as the nexus of the University of Florida's College of Education. It was designed and built in 1934 as a K-12 school, named for civic leader P.K. Yonge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the building held the potential to be a gem of historic architecture on UF's campus. 

But building modifications over time buried distinctive architectural elements and the accumulation of critical repairs and maintenance seriously strained college resources. By the turn of the 21st century, Norman Hall no longer met the myriad needs of the students, faculty, and administrative staff who are learning, teaching and working throughout the building. 

The Past Informs Present-Day Design

Our design team was charged with rehabilitating historic Norman Hall to support 21st-century learning technologies while preserving the Hall's "collegiate Gothic" character. To give the facility a new life, we took cues from photographs of building interiors from the 1950s. We discovered that the main West entrance had been intended as a gathering place, but offices and storage rooms had encroached upon space and obstructed traffic flow. We began by prioritizing changes that would alter or remove interior structures to let in natural light, facilitate movement and create gathering spaces.