Portfolio Profile News Contact Us

MTC Precision Machining

Midlands Technical College

Completion Date
2005

Project Budget
$4.1 Million

Following a significant transformation in curriculum and focus for the former "Tool and Die" program, this new Precision Machining facility on the Beltline campus of Midlands Technical College makes a significant statement about the College's commitment to recreating a high-tech professional shop environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Along with the Student Services Addition constructed concurrently, this shop/classroom building plan creates an edge to a new student centered courtyard on the northern boundary of the campus, thereby transforming that often neglected "back door" face of campus. The building is organized into two interlocking masses, one housing the shop and shop support spaces, and the other classrooms and admin support. The shop is designed to offer flexibility of use and equipment arrangements, and is bathed in natural light provided by clerestory windows located above, freeing up valuable wall space for equipment.

Represents experience of Doug Quackenbush, Principal-in-Charge and Barb Haller, Project Architect, while at The Boudreaux Group.

Showcase Project

SCVRD Lyman Center

As the first new Center to be built for the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department in over twenty years, the Lyman Center reflects the current mission and philosophy of the Department, providing counseling, rehabilitation, and work production services. The new 35,000sf structure, to be constructed in two phases, is subdivided into three major program components: an area office, a 10,000sf production/training floor, and a special services unit for occupational and physical therapy. Designed for an organization that values its relationships within the business community, the facility appeals to corporate and technological aesthetics while also blending with its organic, wooded site on the Middle Tyger River.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”