As FIU plans its expansion to serve the Miami-Dade community, we want to know what you are looking forward to the most. Use the comment section in this news post to tell us.
Here is an infographic that includes some of the proposed uses for the land. Click on the image to enlarge it.
build it sustainable; energy efficient, using solar power, recycled water, student “victory gardens”, and degrees in leadership/development of sustainable communities
I’d like to see it developed into an enclosed area where vehicles are not permitted — make it 100% pedestrian friendly and safe. Buildings should be connected to each other using covered pathways, with ample covered benches and tables.
Top 2 design concepts that I would like to see being applied to FIU’s expansion plans:
1. Emphasis on Vertical Construction. Although acquisition of the Fair and Expo property will increase FIU’s ability to expand, we need to be judicious in regards to the rate at which free space is consumed. Hi-rise buildings enable greater population density, which reduces the immediate impact on the environment. With a population-dense “vertical” building, more land and green space becomes available. With the same room capacity (net square feet) , a 10 story building can be equally effective as a 3 story building in terms of serving the needs of occupants, but only the taller building retains greater sustainability. If UM and other more prestigious universities can do this, so can FIU.
2. Emphasis on Dedicated Study Space. With approximately 57,000 students and counting, FIU needs a new facility that is similar to the library, but without the books. On a daily basis, most students do not use the Green Library at the MMC campus to read books from the library shelves. Instead, students use the Green Library as a place for them to read their instructor-assigned textbook, do homework, or study for the next exam. Electronic databases containing peer-reviewed research are easier to use, more versatile, and faster to access than conventional “paper” research journals housed in the library. For these reasons, it makes more sense to build a new dedicated study space facility.
The Green Library is already crowded, and to make matters worse, some behave inappropriately and disrespect the rights of other more serious individuals in the library. Enforcement on code of conduct is quite difficult, thus FIU administrators and stakeholders should consider one of two options when designing a new study space facility:
a) Separate facility into lower division (1st and 2nd year students) and upper division (3rd year and beyond) to minimize conflict aforementioned above.
b) Reserve an area within the facility exclusively for students at or beyond a particular GPA threshold.
Not only should we be original in our expansion ideas, we should also observe facilities of other universities and use our observations to create a new and improved design that is even better than the original facility design at another university. This will help FIU stand out more effectively.
Get it and build a dental hygienist program!!!
I agree with the importance of Lee and Dima’s ideas. An enormous problem that FIU is yet to solve in the 6+ years I have been a student is parking space. Even since the launching of PG5 the school keeps adding buildings without the proportional parking space needed. We are all familiar with the tediousness of parking at MMC. Another issue is reckless driving and lack of concern for pedestrian safety (Although blatant jaywalking is also a problem). Design should be structured to that buildings are adjacent to one another in the center and the parking areas should form the perimeter. This way, these more sustainable buildings are not accessible by cars.
What about that monorail or train that some group is pushing to connect FIU to Miami Beach? That’s should be priority number 1.
FIU needs to build up. Don’t just stop at a 6-storey garage. Build another 5 to 10 floors on top for class space, research and etc.
Build something that attracts outsiders…FIU needs to build brand equity…create something that will make outsiders want to come on a Saturday and walk around. Similar to the Perez Art Museum in downtown…a lot of people don’t even go to the museaum iteself, they just hang outside the facility. Perhaps creating a interesting leaning center where people can go and learn about science, biology, space, etc in a fun way…adding some interesting coffee shops like pather coffee etc for those that wish to hang outside.
Bring people in!
FIU’s art facility on the MMC campus is placed in the abandon back part of the school in broken portables, rusted classrooms, and in a extreme dark location away from campus life. With the expansion of the school, I hope to see more buildings specifically for the art student being that FIU prioritizes other programs over the art program. If FIU wants to advance, it needs to have a balance between STEM and humanities and art. There are many students who are amazing artists who cannot afford to attend extremely expensive art schools out of state. Being an art student not only allows them to pursue their dream but pursue it inexpensively.
I hope FIU realizes this and builds a better learning environment for art teachers and students.
[…] FIU expansion: what are you looking forward to? […]
Every time FIU expands, it encroaches on wildlife habitat. This is what greed and ego does to the planet.
Are the potential buildings cater only to students currently enrolled or for the benefit of every single person, such as clinics and dental? Probably not.
I would like to see an expansion to bring the Engineering Center back to MMC. Further more the expansion of Engineering Degrees, such as Aerospace Engineering; after all we did use to be an airport!!!