University of Arkansas Vol Walker Historic Renovation & Addition

Home to the University of Arkansas’s Fay Jones School of Architect, Vol Walker hall was a 1930’s era building that needed significant updating to accommodate the school’s expanding architecture program. The project renovated the historic facility while adding a 34,320 square foot addition for the Steven L. Anderson Design Center.

The University charged the chosen design team to create a building that would honor its historic features and serve as a hallmark of architectural and interior design. As part of the team, Bernhard provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design. We renewed the infrastructure of the historic building and in the modern addition used creative solutions that kept the spotlight on its architectural features.

The architect designed concrete cast ceilings to create a simply and clean interior. Our team designed a raised flooring system to hide HVAC, electrical, and data cabling distribution from view. We carefully placed lighting fixtures during the design phase to ensure so that the concrete was properly cast and would connect upon construction. Building Information Modeling was a critical component of the design process, allowing the team to collaborate seamlessly.

The project gained local, regional, and national recognition for its innovative architectural design.

• Building Information Modeling Award from the American Institute of Architects, 2012
• Vision Award from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, 2013
• Lumen Award for Excellence, 2014
• Gulf States Region American Institute of Architects Honor Award, 2014
• Honor Award from the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 2014
• Education Facility Design Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects, 2016
• LEED Gold Certification