Case Study

Virginia Tech Veterinary Medicine Instructional Addition Addition to Virginia Tech Veterinary School Creates Vibrant New Campus Gateway

Richmond, Virginia, USA

The Challenge

To create a prominent campus gateway that redefines the veterinary school’s presence and identity on the Virginia Tech campus and serves as a clear marker for the new primary entrance to the school.

The Design Solution

The three-story Veterinary Medicine Instruction Addition opened in 2012 and provides 7,400 square feet of surgical space for veterinary students as well as new faculty offices, student seminar space and small conference areas. Serving as the main entrance to the veterinary college, a Hokie Stone pillar helps mark the entrance and is a direct tie back to the main Virginia Tech Academic Campus design. The traditional Hokie Stone, used across the campus, comes from a local quarry and is only one example of regional products used in the project. Additional sustainability features include low-flow water fixtures to reduce water use by 37 percent, reduced energy usage through increased insulation and designer’s intentional omission of parking to protect surrounding land, including a nearby historic oak grove.

The Design Impact

The $14.1 million addition allowed the veterinary school to increase annual enrollment from 100 students to 130 students. It provides a new large open concourse with flexible meeting areas for students and faculty, creates a distinctly defined presence for the Veterinary School and creates a new front door to the facility.

Project Features

  • LEED Silver certification
  • 40-seat classroom
  • 24,000 square feet (2,229 sm)
  • Flexible concourse with monumental stair
  • Surgical procedures lab
  • Rooftop patio for academic and social functions

The addition will let our new and returning students pursue their professional training in a contemporary and attractive environment.

Associate Dean for Professional Programs at the Veterinary College